Crisis-induced depression, physical activity and dietary intake among young adults: Evidence from the 9/11 terrorist attacks

Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, we provide evidence that young adults respond to crisis-induced depression by exercising less and having breakfast less often. Exogenous variation in the crisis-induced depression is obtained through a unique event in our sample period – the 9/11 terrorist attacks. We compare those who were interviewed just before and just after 9/11 and find a significant and sharp increase in the symptoms of depression. We also provide evidence that this increase is not a September effect, but an effect of the external traumatic event.

► This study finds that crisis-induced symptoms of depression can lead to changes in behaviors related to body weight among young adults. Specifically, they exercise less and have breakfast less often. ► The authors obtain exogenous variation in the crisis-induced symptoms of depression based on the 9/11 terrorist attacks. ► The authors also provide evidence that the increase is not a September effect, but an effect of the external traumatic event.