Schooling and emotional well-being: evidence from Türkiye’s education reform
Applied Economics Letters, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1080/13504851.2026.2730494
- Dergi Adı: Applied Economics Letters
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, ABI/INFORM, EconLit, Geobase, Public Affairs Index, Business Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Compulsory education reform, mental health, MHI-5, Türkiye
- Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
This study examines the mental health effects of extended compulsory schooling in Türkiye, using a regression discontinuity design based on the 1997 reform. We utilize nationally representative data from the Türkiye Health Survey (THS) (2008–2012), which covers 17,932 adults. Results show that completing middle school leads to a 6.9-point decline in Mental Health Index-5 (MHI-5) scores–more than half a standard deviation. We show that this deterioration operates through delayed life-course transitions: the reform reduces employment and marriage rates, increases the likelihood of living with parents, and continuing education.