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Decreasing income inequality and adolescent emotional distress: a population-based case study of Icelandic adolescents 2006–2016

Author

Listed:
  • Arndis Vilhjalmsdottir

    (University of Iceland)

  • Bart Clercq

    (Ghent University)

  • Ragna B. Gardarsdottir

    (University of Iceland)

  • Jon Gunnar Bernburg

    (University of Iceland)

  • Inga Dora Sigfusdottir

    (Reykjavik University)

Abstract

Objectives In this study, we aim to test whether changes in community income inequality influence adolescent emotional distress. We take advantage of the unique combination of data and history available in Iceland. This affluent welfare society has experienced extreme shifts in income inequality, allowing us to test whether changes in community income inequality are related to changes in adolescent emotional distress. Methods Combining adolescent survey data (n = 24,107) with tax registry data on 76 neighborhood communities, we used a multilevel approach to model the data as longitudinal in order to test whether changes in community income inequality are related to changes in symptoms of anxiety and depression among adolescents. Results The results showed that, after adjusting for relevant individual and community covariates, decreases in community income inequality were associated with decreases in symptoms of anxiety among adolescents (b = − 0.367, p ≤ 0.001), but not with decreases in symptoms of depression. Conclusions While the results provide a partial support for the income inequality thesis, we call for replications from other cultures and studies exploring the mediating role of social psychological processes.

Suggested Citation

  • Arndis Vilhjalmsdottir & Bart Clercq & Ragna B. Gardarsdottir & Jon Gunnar Bernburg & Inga Dora Sigfusdottir, 2019. "Decreasing income inequality and adolescent emotional distress: a population-based case study of Icelandic adolescents 2006–2016," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 64(2), pages 253-263, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijphth:v:64:y:2019:i:2:d:10.1007_s00038-018-1193-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s00038-018-1193-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Aminzadeh, Kaveh & Denny, Simon & Utter, Jennifer & Milfont, Taciano L. & Ameratunga, Shanthi & Teevale, Tasileta & Clark, Terryann, 2013. "Neighbourhood social capital and adolescent self-reported wellbeing in New Zealand: A multilevel analysis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 84(C), pages 13-21.
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    3. Chen, Zhuo & Gotway Crawford, Carol A., 2012. "The role of geographic scale in testing the income inequality hypothesis as an explanation of health disparities," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 75(6), pages 1022-1031.
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