There’s lots of research and talk out there on the psychology of recession. Some interesting takes:

  1. Some sociologists argue that there’s evidence that a recession can increase ‘happiness’.  Profs Mel Bartley and Andrew Oswald talk on Radio 4’s Thinking Allowed (the listen-again feature will be available for some time - listen in at around the 11mins point).  The general idea is that if there is very public humbling of the very rich, the overall society may be happier as a result. Hmm.
  2. The Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC) ran a public seminar on the subject of ‘Recession: Health & Happiness’.  Speakers included Mel Bartley (see 1. above). Anyone catch the meeting and can give me some comments?
  3. Irish economist Gerard O’Neill looks at some of the research into the Psychology of Recession and Recovery and makes some very interesting points - not least that whilst the onset of Recession is a macro event, Recovery is a whole series of micro-events as consumers, businesses, banks etc act upon their own versions of increased confidence:
    Psychology Of Recession And Recovery March 2009

  4. Another economist berating all the negativity in the press as the very driver of recession in people’s minds is Glen Hodgson of the Conference Board of Canada
  5. And from my friends at Shirlaws, business-owners and decision-makers should Thrive rather than just Survive a recession.
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