Live Poster Session: https://wesleyan.zoom.us/j/96329850203
Abstract: Since the early 1970s, household income has become more volatile as the economy has transformed, leaving households today exposed to greater risk and facing increased competition. The increased volatility faced by households has been associated with negative health and economic outcomes, as well as psychological and social well-being.This analysis uses data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Financial Well-Being Survey to examine the relationship between household income volatility and distress. I find that income that varies monthly and income that is roughly the same each month with highs and lows are more significantly more likely to feel distress compared to those will more stable incomes. These results highlight the the relationship between uncertainty and distress and can allow policy makers to address structural causes of volatility.
Surya_Poster-pdf