Британское исследование показывает социально-экономические различия в психическом здоровье детей

A recent analysis of the UK Millennium Cohort Study reveals lasting socioeconomic disparities in mental health among children and adolescents. The study, which tracked 15,383 participants from infancy to age 17, identified that children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are at a significantly increased risk for mental health issues compared to their more advantaged peers.

The research highlights that children from disadvantaged backgrounds experience externalizing behaviors, such as aggression and defiance, at levels 2.5 to 3 points greater than those from higher socioeconomic groups. For internalizing difficulties like anxiety and depression, children in lower socioeconomic categories also reported scores 1.5 to 2 points higher. These disparities persist through childhood and into adolescence, indicating a need for early interventions.

The study specifically measured the impact of maternal education and household income on children’s mental health. It found that lower maternal education was associated with elevated externalizing scores at age 5, which slightly decreased by age 17, while internalizing scores increased, particularly among girls. Females showed a steeper rise in internalizing difficulties during adolescence.

The research underscores the importance of addressing mental health needs from an early age. The findings suggest that socioeconomic inequalities do not vary significantly by sex or by the specific socioeconomic measure used. This consistency indicates that interventions should target the root causes of socioeconomic disadvantage effectively, regardless of gender.

The study recommends investment in early interventions that support mental health, such as improving access to preschool childcare and addressing parental mental health. Policies that tackle the underlying causes of socioeconomic disadvantage are likely to yield the most significant improvements in children’s mental health outcomes.

The Millennium Cohort Study provides unique insights into the long-term effects of childhood socioeconomic conditions on mental health, demonstrating that inequalities in mental health are evident early in life and can persist throughout development. Addressing these disparities is crucial for improving the overall mental health landscape for future generations.