AEA Papers and Proceedings
ISSN 2574-0768 (Print) | ISSN 2574-0776 (Online)
Asian “Chilling Effect” during the Pandemic: What Can We Learn from Reported Health Status?
AEA Papers and Proceedings
(pp. 624–629)
Abstract
There is documented evidence that the origin of the COVID-19 virus in Asia led to increased discrimination and xenophobia toward individuals of Asian descent, resulting in an unprecedented rise in anti-Asian hate during the pandemic. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we estimate the impact of this treatment on self-reported health. We find that COVID-19-induced discrimination generated a “chilling effect,” leading to a relative decline in the health status of Asians/Pacific Islanders compared with comparable non-Hispanic Whites from the onset of the pandemic. These results are robust across alternative health measures and explanations.Citation
Shaeye, Abdihafit, and Ruth Uwaifo Oyelere. 2026. "Asian “Chilling Effect” during the Pandemic: What Can We Learn from Reported Health Status?" AEA Papers and Proceedings 116: 624–629. DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20261125Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- I12 Health Behavior
- J15 Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination