Socioeconomic Status and Adolescent Mental Disorders

Abstract

Objectives Although previous research has shown that low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with mental illness, it is unclear which aspects of SES are most important. We investigated this issue by examining associations between 5 aspects of SES and adolescent mental disorders. Methods Data came from a national survey of US adolescents (n = 6483). Associations among absolute SES (parental income and education), relative SES (relative deprivation, subjective social status), and community level income variation (Gini coefficient) with past-year mental disorders were examined. Results Subjective social status (mean 0, variance 1) was most consistently associated with mental disorder. Odds ratios with mood, anxiety, substance, and behavior disorders after controlling for other SES indicators were all statistically significant and in the range of 0.7 to 0.8. Associations were strongest for White adolescents. Parent education was associated with low risk for anxiety disorder, relative deprivation with high risk for mood disorder, and the other 2 indicators were associated with none of the disorders considered. Conclusions Associations between SES and adolescent mental disorders are most directly the result of perceived social status, an aspect of SES that might be more amenable to interventions than objective aspects of SES.

Relationships between Social Anxiety and Mental Health Problems in Early Adolescents from Different Socioeconomic Groups: Results from a Cross-sectional Health Survey in Norway

“…A number of studies confirm that mental health problems occur more often in disadvantaged groups [11,12,45]. In many highincome countries, this issue may be related to the experience of being underprivileged [12].…”

“…In many highincome countries, this issue may be related to the experience of being underprivileged [12]. The subjective evaluation of SES might create differences, even if the financial burden is minimal.…”

“…Several studies confirm the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on mental health in children and adolescence [11][12][13][14]. It is now evident that SES differences in mental distress may be partially, but not fully accounted for, by conditions of the family environment [15].…”

“…Education is also mentioned as a proxy variable for economic resources, and is considered to be a good measure of socioeconomic differences in high-income countries [18]. Parental education is mentioned as a suitable indicator in studies that address social issues and children's mental health [12].…”

Enhancing Behavioral Health Workforce in Youth Mental Health through Grand Challenges in Social Work

“…Children and adolescents from racially diverse backgrounds are subjected to differential diagnosis and clinical bias when compared to white youth [11,12]. In addition youth with parents who have less education and lower socio-economic status are more likely to experience mental health problems [13].…”