Well-being

Financial security reduces stress

The monthly basic income of €1,200 contributed to an improvement in general well-being and mental health. At the same time, participants reported greater life satisfaction and a stronger sense of meaning in their lives.

1
More satisfaction and a sense of purpose

A universal basic income was shown to have a positive effect on well-being, particularly in two areas: life satisfaction and the sense of a meaningful life. In both respects, the basic income group consistently outperformed the control group throughout the study period. This effect persisted for six months after the final payment.

2
Clear improvement in mental and physical health

Participants’ assessment of their health also improved in the basic income group. This is particularly evident when it comes to mental health. As measured by the WHO Well-Being Index, the basic income group was on average above the control group, and this was consistently the case over the three-year study period. Further indications supporting this finding are the significant reduction in perceived stress and improved sleep.

3
Greater satisfaction in personal life

The basic income group shows notable improvements in various aspects of life that contribute to their overall well-being. In addition to increased satisfaction with their job and income, the most significant effects are seen in their personal lives. Participants with a basic income reported greater satisfaction with how they spent their leisure time and rated the quality of their social relationships higher than the control group.

Further effects

Autonomy

Strengthened independence: the results of our study show that a basic income leads to more self-determined decisions – especially for one demographic.

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Labour

Does a basic income make people lazy? This assumption has been widely discussed, but never substantiated. The Basic Income Pilot Project demonstrates that the opposite is true.

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Finances

Our study shows that a basic income leads to the fulfilment of material needs and active wealth creation among recipients. However, they don’t just spend it on themselves.

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Fund further research into basic income

The Basic Income Pilot Project was made possible thanks to nearly 200,000 private donors. Become a donor and support our future research at My Basic Income.

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