Fiorillo, D., Sabatini, F. (2011). An Exploratory Analysis of the Relationship Between Social Interactions, Income and Health in Italy. Economics Bulletin 31 (2), 1336-1352
This paper carries out a preliminary and exploratory investigation into the effect of
various types of social interaction on health in Italy. After controlling for household
income, education, work status and a number of socio-demographic variables, we find
that the frequency of meetings with friends is significantly and positively associated
with self-perceived health. The frequency of visits with relatives has a significant, but
weaker effect. Membership in voluntary organizations is a significant and weakly
negative predictor of good health. Other relevant explanatory variables are education
and work status.