The burden of poverty-related shame: Impact of comparative environment and social support
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Shame is considered a fundamental aspect of understanding poverty. This study explored the association between the comparative environment, social support from one's father, mother, and best friend, and poverty-related shame. In addition, the study examined how these factors relate to self-esteem as well as social and emotional adjustment, based on Walker's model of poverty–shame nexus. A total of 351 Chinese college students were included in the final analysis (poverty group: 155, non-poverty group: 196). A multigroup analysis revealed an association between the comparative environment and poverty-related shame in both groups. Meanwhile, paternal support was associated with poverty-related shame only in the poverty group, maternal support only in the non-poverty group, and friend's support was not significantly associated with poverty-related shame in either group. Furthermore, the link between poverty-related shame and self-esteem existed only in the poverty group. The results highlight the importance of a supportive, non-stigmatizing environment and suggest the need for tailored support based on individual circumstances, providing insights for more effective poverty support efforts. • Economic hardship led to poverty-related shame, linked to psychological adjustment. • Comparative environment was linked to poverty-related shame. • Only in the poverty group was paternal support linked to poverty-related shame. • Only in the non-poverty group was maternal support linked to poverty-related shame. • Tailored support based on individual circumstances is essential.
Source: Acta Psychologica
Authors: Shiyuan Zhan, Kenji Hiraishi
Institution: Nagoya University
Language: English
Topic: Emotions and Moral Behavior
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,670
OpenAlex ID: W4414625812