title: Crisis-induced depression, physical activity and dietary intake among young adults: evidence from the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
abstract: Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, we provide evidence that young adults respond to crisis-induced depression by exercising less and having breakfast less often. Exogenous variation in the crisis-induced depression is obtained through a unique event in our sample period - the 9/11 terrorist attacks. We compare those who were interviewed just before and just after 9/11 and find a significant and sharp increase in the symptoms of depression. We also provide evidence that this increase is not a September effect, but an effect of the external traumatic event.
authors.affiliation: Department of Economics, Lafayette College, Easton, PA 18042, United States.
authors.forename: Yang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Muzhe
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yang
mesh_terms: D003863:Depression / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D002149:Energy Intake; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D036301:Qualitative Research; D047851:September 11 Terrorist Attacks / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications*; D055815:Young Adult