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Sickness Absence and the Effects of Having a Spouse - Can twins reveal the selection effect?

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  • Nilsson, william

    (Department of Economics, Umeå University)

Abstract

Individuals that are married are often found to be healthier than singles. A crucial issue is to distinguish if this is due to a selection effect or due to a true protective effect of partnership. The purpose of this study is to distinguish these effects as explanations for a lower risk of having long-term sickness among individuals with a spouse. In this study an innovative method based on information on twins is developed to reveal the selection effect into partnership that provides a lower risk for long-term sickness absence. Important selections are found for both male and female samples.

Suggested Citation

  • Nilsson, william, 2006. "Sickness Absence and the Effects of Having a Spouse - Can twins reveal the selection effect?," Umeå Economic Studies 686, Umeå University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:umnees:0686
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    sickness absence; spouse; heterogeneity; selection; twins;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C35 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure

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