This paper aims to clarify the role of culture as a public good that serves to preserve mental health. It tests the evolutionary hypothesis that cultural consumption triggers a microeconomic mechanism for the self-defense of mental health from uncertainty. The COVID-19 pandemic offers a natural experiment of cultural consumption under increased uncertainty. Using primary data from a pilot survey conducted online during the pandemic and applying Probit and Heckman selection models, the study analyzes levels of happiness and propensity to help others. The results suggest that past consumption of culture is associated with higher happiness levels during crises. Moreover, spontaneous cultural practices (such as group singing) during times of uncertainty are associated with an increase in the pro-social propensity to help others. These findings highlight culture as a tool for promoting mental health at the micro level and social capital resilience at the aggregate level.

本文旨在阐明文化作为一种​​有助于维护心理健康的公共物品的作用。它检验了进化假设，即文化消费触发了一种微观经济机制，使心理健康免受不确定性的影响。 COVID-19 大流行为不确定性增加的情况下的文化消费提供了一次自然的实验。该研究利用大流行期间在线进行的试点调查的主要数据，并应用 Probit 和 Heckman 选择模型，分析了幸福水平和帮助他人的倾向。结果表明，过去的文化消费与危机期间更高的幸福水平相关。此外，在不确定时期自发的文化实践（例如集体歌唱）与帮助他人的亲社会倾向的增加有关。这些发现强调文化是促进微观层面心理健康和总体层面社会资本复原力的工具。