Economic Change and Change in Well-Being in the Czech Republic, with Comparisons to Married Women in the United States

Abstract

Examines the effects of economic change on individual well-being for a panel of married Czech women compared with a US sample from IA (N = 192 & 386, respectively, in 1990/91). Questionnaire data show that respondents who were forced to make economic adjustments reducing their standard of living also reported increased health problems & depressive symptoms. Contrary to some US findings the relationship between economic adjustments & change in depressive symptoms was strongest among those who reported having the strongest sense of personal control (mastery) & the highest perceived social support. Compared with the US sample, married Czech women reported more depressive symptoms, had more health problems, & were lower in feelings of mastery. In addition, Czech women recorded significantly stronger paths linking education to changes in health conditions & depressive symptoms, whereas US women had significantly stronger paths linking actual economic conditions to subsequent economic adjustments. Data suggest that the US stress-distress model applies in the Czech Republic as well, but further understanding of the differentiated role of social support & mastery for Czech & US women is necessray to more completely interpret the observed interactions.