The effect of the Brexit referendum result on subjective well‐being. (15th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kavetsos, Georgios; Kawachi, Ichiro; Kyriopoulos, Ilias; Vandoros, Sotiris
• Is Part Of: Journal of the Royal Statistical Society. Volume 184:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 707
• Page End: 731
• Publication Date: 2021-03-15
• Subjects: Brexit -- election -- happiness -- referendum -- subjective well‐being; Social sciences -- Statistical methods -- Periodicals; Statistics -- Periodicals; 300.15195
• DOI: 10.1111/rssa.12676
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-1998

Abstract

Abstract: We study the effect of the Brexit referendum result on subjective well‐being in the United Kingdom. Using a quasi‐experimental design, we find that the referendum's outcome led to an overall decrease in subjective well‐being in the United Kingdom compared to a control group. The effect is driven by individuals who hold an overall positive image of the European Union and shows little signs of adaptation during the Brexit transition period. Economic expectations are potential mechanisms of this effect.