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The association between material living standard and psychological distress: Results from a New Zealand population survey

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  • James Foulds
  • J Elisabeth Wells
  • Roger Mulder

Abstract

Background: People with a low material living standard experience more psychological distress than those with a high living standard, but previous studies suggest the size of this difference is modest. Aim: To measure the association between living standard and psychological distress using a multidimensional measure of living standard, the Economic Living Standard Index (ELSI). Methods: Adults aged 25–64 years ( n = 8,465) were selected from a New Zealand community survey. Logistic regression models were used to compare household income and ELSI scores as risk factors for high psychological distress, defined as a K10 score of 12 or over. Results: In the population, the prevalence of high psychological distress was 5.8%. The prevalence of high distress increased steeply with decreasing living standard. In the most deprived decile according to ELSI score, 24.3% had high distress, compared to 0.8% in the least deprived decile. For household income, high distress was present in 15.9% of people in the lowest decile and 2.2% of the highest decile. In fully adjusted models, ELSI score remained significantly associated with high distress but household income was not. Conclusion: The mental health disparity between those at opposite ends of the social spectrum is very large. Comprehensive measures such as the ELSI give a more accurate estimate of this disparity than household income.

Suggested Citation

  • James Foulds & J Elisabeth Wells & Roger Mulder, 2014. "The association between material living standard and psychological distress: Results from a New Zealand population survey," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 60(8), pages 766-771, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:60:y:2014:i:8:p:766-771
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764014521394
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Psychological stress; socioeconomic factors; mental disorders; income; K10; Economic Living Standard Index; New Zealand;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K10 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - General (Constitutional Law)

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