Final answer:
Unemployment and low income/education are the two macroeconomic variables that correlate with worsened mental health for both males and females, exacerbated by economic downturns and pandemics like COVID-19.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two macroeconomic variables that were associated with worsened mental health for both males and females are unemployment and low income/education. The economic downturn around 2008-2009 led to increased stress, particularly among college-educated employed men. In addition, the context of poverty has been linked to detrimental effects on physical and mental health, as well as to increased crime prevalence. Psychological stress from unemployment was especially difficult for men, who often struggle with the societal expectation to provide for their families.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated mental health issues across various demographics due to the psychological impact of quarantine, financial loss, and infection fears. Lastly, social status and access to healthcare play significant roles in stress and well-being, with individuals of lower socio-economic status experiencing higher levels of stress and less access to healthcare resources.