Discrete choice models of labour suppluy, behavioural microsimulation and the Spanish tax reform

In this paper, we demonstrate the potential of behavioural microsimulation models as powerful tools for the ex ante evaluation of public policies. The subject of our analysis is the impact of recent Spanish Income Tax reforms on efficiency and household and social welfare. We also analyze the likely effects of some basic income - flat tax and vital minimum - flat tax schemes. The analysis is carried out using a microsimulation model in which labour supply is explicitly taken into account. Instead of following the traditional continuous approach (Hausman 1981, 1985a, and 1985b), we estimate the direct utility function using the methodology proposed by Van Soest (1995). Our data come from a sample of Spanish individuals in the 1995 wave of the EC Household Panel. We show that in the Spanish case, the redistribution policies considered have only little impact on the efficiency of the economy. On the contrary, they strongly affect social welfare.microsimulation models ; evaluation of public policies

Discrete choice models of labour suppluy, behavioural microsimulation and the Spanish tax reform

In this paper, we demonstrate the potential of behavioural microsimulation models as powerful tools for the ex ante evaluation of public policies. The subject of our analysis is the impact of recent Spanish Income Tax reforms on efficiency and household and social welfare. We also analyze the likely effects of some basic income - flat tax and vital minimum - flat tax schemes. The analysis is carried out using a microsimulation model in which labour supply is explicitly taken into account. Instead of following the traditional continuous approach (Hausman 1981, 1985a, and 1985b), we estimate the direct utility function using the methodology proposed by Van Soest (1995). Our data come from a sample of Spanish individuals in the 1995 wave of the EC Household Panel. We show that in the Spanish case, the redistribution policies considered have only little impact on the efficiency of the economy. On the contrary, they strongly affect social welfare.Dans cet article, on démontre le potentiel des modèles de microsimulation avec comportements dans l'évaluation ex ante des politiques publiques. Le sujet de notre analyse est l'impact sur l'efficacité et sur le bien-être des ménages, des réformes récentes de l'impôt sur les revenus implémentées en Espagne. On analyse aussi les effets de certains scénarios de réforme inspirés de la logique du revenu minimum - impôt linéaire. L'analyse est effectuée à l'aide d'un modèle de microsimulation avec réactions d'offre de travail. Au lieu de suivre l'approche traditionnelle à la Hausman (1981, 1985a, 1985b), on estime directement les paramètres de la fonction d'utilité en employant la méthodologie proposée par Van Soest (1995). Les données ont été récupérées à partir de la vague 1995 du Panel européen des ménages (ECHP). On démontre que, dans le cas espagnol, les politiques redistributives implémentées ont des effets mineurs sur l'efficacité économique, par contre, elles augmentent de façon importante le bien-être social

Supportive effect of body contact care with ylang ylang aromatherapy and mobile intervention team for suicide prevention: A pilot study.

To assess understudied, alternative suicide prevention modalities in a mental health care setting. This was a prospective study of patients (n = 140, 68 cases and 72 controls) who were admitted to hospital or who contacted an SOS suicide crisis line for suicidal ideation or attempts. Psychiatric diagnoses (Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview) and intensity of anxiety/depression/suicidality (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, and Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation) were assessed. All intervention group subjects received a crisis card with a crisis line number, interviews with psychologists or volunteers and a telephone call on days 10 to 21, then 6 months later. These subjects also had a choice between two further 4-month interventions: body contact care or mobile intervention team visits. The interventions significantly reduced the number of suicide attempts and suicide (3%) at 6 months compared with the control condition (12%). There were fewer losses to follow-up in the intervention group (7.35%) than in the control group (9.72%). The results favour the implementation of integrated care and maintaining contact in suicide prevention