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The Economics of Financial Stress

Author

Listed:
  • Dmitriy Sergeyev
  • Chen Lian
  • Yuriy Gorodnichenko
Abstract
We study the psychological costs of financial constraints and their economic consequences. Using a representative survey of U.S. households, we document the prevalence of financial stress in U.S. households and a strong relationship between financial stress and measures of financial constraints. We incorporate financial stress into an otherwise standard dynamic model of consumption and labor supply. We emphasize two key results. First, both financial stress itself and naivete about financial stress are important components of a psychology-based theory of the poverty trap. Sophisticates, instead, save extra to escape high-stress states because they understand that doing so alleviates the economic consequences of financial stress. Second, the financial stress channel dampens or reverses the counterfactual large negative wealth effect on labor earnings because relieving stress frees up cognitive resources for productive work. Financial stress also has macroeconomic implications on wealth inequality and fiscal multipliers.

Suggested Citation

  • Dmitriy Sergeyev & Chen Lian & Yuriy Gorodnichenko, 2023. "The Economics of Financial Stress," NBER Working Papers 31285, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:31285
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    Cited by:

    1. Kamdar, Rupal & Ray, Walker, 2024. "Attention-Driven Sentiment and the Business Cycle," CEPR Discussion Papers 18984, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    2. Assenza, Tiziana & Cardaci, Alberto & Chaliasos, Michael, 2023. "Consumption and account balances in crises: Have we neglected cognitive load?," IMFS Working Paper Series 197, Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Monetary and Financial Stability (IMFS).

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    JEL classification:

    • D9 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics
    • E7 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macro-Based Behavioral Economics
    • O1 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development

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