Finland Gave Two Groups Identical Payments. One Saw 33% Better Mental Health
a day ago
- #social-policy
- #basic-income
- #mental-health
- Finland's basic income experiment showed that unconditional payments led to a 33% improvement in mental health compared to conditional payments.
- The study involved two groups receiving €560 monthly; one group received it unconditionally, the other with conditions like job-seeking requirements.
- Unconditional basic income recipients had 8 percentage points fewer cases of poor mental health (16% vs. 24% in the conditional group).
- The mental health benefits were consistent across all demographic groups, showing no harmful effects or inequalities.
- Unconditional cash transfers increased trust in society and institutions among recipients.
- Similar results were observed in other countries like Kenya, Germany, and Brazil, where unconditional cash improved mental health and reduced suicide rates.
- Long-term studies, such as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians' casino dividends, showed lasting mental health benefits and community cohesion.
- Basic income also indirectly reduces gun violence by rebuilding social capital and trust in communities.
- The conditions attached to welfare programs were found to be psychologically harmful, undermining the benefits of financial support.
- The evidence strongly supports universal basic income as a powerful mental health intervention.