Meta-Analysis Uncovers , Link Between Income Change , and Mental Health.
According to research published in 'The Lancet
Public Health,' income loss at any level was found
to be linked with worsened mental health outcomes. .
Psypost reports that the study found the opposite
was the case for an increase in income, which was
associated with improved mental health outcomes.
The study's lead author, Rachel Thompson, and her
colleagues investigated how income loss or gain
can impact an individual's mental health.
Researchers looked at 136 studies regarding income
changes and mental health, including impacts
like anxiety, depression and quality of life. .
Income changes included in the studies were
related to healthcare, taxes, disasters,
salary fluctuation and transfers of cash. .
Regardless of the source of income loss or gain,
88.9% of the studies found that even slight
changes in income had impacts on mental health.
The research found that financial loss has a more
significant negative impact on mental health than
financial gain has a positive impact on mental health.
Negative mental health outcomes following income
loss were associated with two-and-a-half times the
magnitude of positive outcomes from income gains.
To be most supportive of population
mental health and reduce inequalities,
policy makers should design income
and welfare policies that provide an
adequate financial safety net for the most
socioeconomically disadvantaged, Study authors, via Psypost.
There would be considerable value
in future research investigating
the mechanisms linking income
and health, and the incorporation
of these findings into intervention
planning and evaluation, Study authors, via Psypost.
There would be considerable value
in future research investigating
the mechanisms linking income
and health, and the incorporation
of these findings into intervention
planning and evaluation, Study authors, via Psypost