An exploratory analysis of the relationship between social interactions, income and health in Italy

Fiorillo, Damiano and Sabatini, Fabio (2010): An exploratory analysis of the relationship between social interactions, income and health in Italy.

Abstract

This paper carries out a preliminary and exploratory investigation into the effect of various types of social interaction on health in Italy. After controlling for household income, education, work status and a number of socio-demographic variables, we find that the frequency of meetings with friends is significantly and positively associated with self-perceived health. The frequency of visits with relatives has a significant, but weaker effect. Membership in voluntary organizations is a significant and weakly negative predictor of good health. Other relevant explanatory variables are education and work status.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Statistical matching, income, wealth, well-being, social interactions, social capital, health, Italy.
• Subjects: I - Health, Education, and Welfare > I1 - Health > I12 - Health Behavior; Z - Other Special Topics > Z1 - Cultural Economics ; Economic Sociology ; Economic Anthropology > Z13 - Economic Sociology ; Economic Anthropology ; Social and Economic Stratification

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