The effects of cash and group therapy in the context of conflict: Evidence from a randomized evaluation in Ethiopia
Journal of Development Economics · 2026 · Mélissa Hidrobo、Harold Alderman、Negussie Deyessa、Daniel O. Gilligan、Parthu Kalva、Jessica Leight
中文摘要
在低收入背景下，尤其是在受冲突影响的地区，抑郁症的患病率仍然较高。本文报告了一项在埃塞俄比亚农村开展的随机对照试验，评估了由非专业卫生人员提供的心理（团体治疗）干预，以及治疗结束后发放的一次性大额现金转移的效果。该试验设置三个干预组，分别将团体治疗、现金以及两者联合干预与维持现状的对照组进行比较，样本为基线时报告存在一定抑郁症状或功能受损的个体。研究于2022年至2024年间开展，正值武装冲突活跃时期。研究结果显示，在基线调查十六个月后，单独的团体治疗并未产生持续的正向效果；单独的现金改善了时间利用和经济结果。团体治疗与现金联合干预改善了社会心理技能、时间利用和经济结果，且在未受冲突影响的地区，联合干预还改善了心理健康。
Abstract
: The prevalence of depression remains high in low-income contexts, particularly those affected by conflict. This paper reports on a randomized controlled trial conducted in rural Ethiopia assessing the effects of a psychological (group therapy) intervention delivered by non-specialist health staff, as well as a large one-time cash transfer delivered post-therapy. The trial includes three arms comparing group therapy, cash, and both jointly to a status quo control within a sample of individuals reporting some depressive symptoms or functional impairment at baseline. The study occurred between 2022 and 2024, during a period of active armed conflict. Findings show that sixteen months post-baseline, there are no persistent positive effects of group therapy alone; cash alone improves time use and economic outcomes. Group therapy and cash jointly improve psychosocial skills, time use, and economic outcomes, and in areas not affected by conflict, the joint intervention also improves mental health.