Conference paper
POVERTY AND MENTAL HEALTH: WHAT SHOULD WE KNOW AS MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS?
Brice Lepièce
; Université Catholique de Louvain, CHU Dinant-Godinne, Psychopathology and Psychosomatic Unit, Mont-Godinne University Hospital, Yvoir, Belgium
Christine Reynaert
; Université Catholique de Louvain, CHU Dinant-Godinne, Psychopathology and Psychosomatic Unit, Mont-Godinne University Hospital, Yvoir, Belgium
Denis Jacques
; Université Catholique de Louvain, CHU Dinant-Godinne, Psychopathology and Psychosomatic Unit, Mont-Godinne University Hospital, Yvoir, Belgium
Nicolas Zdanowicz
; Université Catholique de Louvain, CHU Dinant-Godinne, Psychopathology and Psychosomatic Unit, Mont-Godinne University Hospital, Yvoir, Belgium
Abstract
Background: Social inequality as a social and economic phenomenon has become an issue of common interest in Europe and
other societies worldwide, mainly after the recent global financial and economic crisis that occurred in 2008. The increasing gap
observed between socioeconomically advantaged and disadvantaged people has caused intensive debates in politics, social sciences
and in the field of public health. Today, poverty is considered as a major variable adversely influencing health. In this paper we will
discuss the link between poverty and mental health.
Subjects and methods: We conducted a literature search focusing on three main objectives: (I) to investigate the definition of
“poverty”; (II) to determine the association between poverty and major mental health problems; and (III) to discuss the extent to
which poverty could be both a cause and a consequence of mental health.
Results: We identified a total of 142relevant papers, published between 1995 and 2014, only 32 were retained. Main findings are
summarised in this paper.
Conclusion: Poverty can be considered as a risk factor for mental illness. Yet the relation between poverty and mental health is
complex, without direct causation, and bidirectional. As poverty has severe consequences not only on health but also on the whole
society, combating poverty should be placed high on the political agenda.
Keywords
poverty; socioeconomic inequalities; social class; mental health; mental illness
Hrčak ID:
264459
URI
Publication date:
8.9.2015.
Visits: 1.401 *