Psychology

State-level macro-economic factors moderate the association of low income with brain structure and mental health in U.S. children

D. G. Weissman, M. L. Hatzenbuehler, et al.

Discover how state-level macroeconomic factors influence the link between low income, brain structure, and mental health in children! This fascinating study by David G. Weissman, Mark L. Hatzenbuehler, Mina Cikara, Deanna M. Barch, and Katie A. McLaughlin reveals that lower income is associated with smaller hippocampal volumes and greater internalizing psychopathology, particularly in states with high living costs. Surprisingly, generous cash benefits can mitigate these effects, highlighting the role of macroeconomic factors in child development disparities.

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Abstract

This study investigated how state-level macroeconomic factors moderate the association between low income, brain structure, and mental health in 9–11-year-old children. Using data from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, researchers found that lower income correlated with smaller hippocampal volume and higher internalizing psychopathology. These associations were stronger in states with higher costs of living, but this effect was significantly reduced in high-cost-of-living states with more generous cash benefits for low-income families. These findings highlight the importance of considering macroeconomic factors when studying socioeconomic disparities in child development.

Publisher

Nature Communications

Published On

May 02, 2023

Authors

David G. Weissman, Mark L. Hatzenbuehler, Mina Cikara, Deanna M. Barch, Katie A. McLaughlin

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