Blank, L., Baxter, S.K. orcid.org/0000-0002-6034-5495, Buckley-Woods, H. et al. (4 more authors) (2016) Multidisciplinary systematic review of the relationships between poverty and stress, low level anxiety and depression across the life course. Report. University of Sheffield , Sheffield.
Abstract
Poverty, stress, low level anxiety and depression are associated in some way, but the exact nature of these relationships has not been clearly articulated. This report aims to provide further understanding of these relationships, and the influences which mediate and moderate these. Key points: - The relationships between poverty, stress, low level anxiety and depression are highly complex. - There is very little direct evidence of causal relationships between the factors; with the exception of data showing that poverty causes stress. - The relationship between poverty and anxiety/depression is largely mediated by stress. - A large number of moderating factors act on this relationship at individual, relationship and community levels. - A feedback loop reinforces the relationships linking anxiety and depression back to poverty. - Interventions targeted at the individual level aimed to improve coping with living in poverty, and at the family level to promote positive parenting and family functioning.