Invites you to a

Microeconometrics & Public Policy seminar presented by

Nancy Kong

(University of Sydney)

Physical isolation and loneliness: Evidence from COVID lockdowns in Australia

Co-author:

Jack Lam (University of Queensland)

Friday 25 November

12.00pm – 1.00pm

Via Zoom: Meeting Link

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented event.  Utilising mandatory stay-at-home orders in Australia as a natural experiment, this paper investigates the causal link between physical isolation and loneliness.  Drawing on a long-running panel study, we exploit variations in the number of days in lockdown that has been experienced by respondents in different states to estimate the causal link between physical isolation and loneliness.  Results from difference-in-differences with three-way fixed-effects estimations show that the number of days in lockdown does not affect loneliness significantly. We examine heterogeneous effects by personality, living arrangement, remoteness, income, and age and also find no effect. We investigate the impact of social contacts, internet access, work and home characteristics on loneliness. While much of prior research have stated that ‘being alone’ and ‘being lonely’ are distinct phenomenon, our study is the first to show no causal links between the two. Our findings also refine understanding of social isolation, highlighting that it likely encompasses other factors rather than physical isolation.

For further information contact: Microeconometrics & Public Policy Seminar Coordinator Dr Rebecca McKibbin (rebecca.mckibbin@sydney.edu.au)

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