Financial concern predicts deteriorations in mental and physical health among university students
Year: 2019
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether students’ financial concerns predicted subsequent changes in their mental and physical health. In addition the opportunity was taken to test for reverse causality, by exploring whether initial levels of health predicted subsequent changes in financial concern. Design: The study employed a prospective correlational design. Main Outcome Measures: Undergraduate students at a British university (N = 337) completed measures of financial concern and health at two time points, approximately 8 weeks apart. Results: Regression analyses indicated that experiencing greater financial concern at baseline was associated with subsequent deteriorations in health on the following outcomes: role limitation due to physical problems, role limitation due to emotional problems, social functioning, mental health, general health perception and change in health. By contrast, there was no evidence that initial health influenced subsequent changes in financial concern. Conclusion: Findings suggest that financial concern might adversely impact mental and physical health outcomes in student populations.
Source: Psychology and Health
Authors: Donna C. Jessop, Matthew Reid, Lucy Solomon
Institution: University of Sussex
Language: English
Topic: Student Stress and Coping
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: University of Sussex
OpenAlex ID: W2950417684