is an important part of better understanding health inequities that impact people throughout their lives, starting in critical periods of development."
Replicating findings from smaller studies, the research team first validated that lower family income is associated with smaller hippocampal volume and more symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, aggression, impulsivity, and inattention among the 9- to 11-year-old participants.
Additionally, the income-associated disparity in some mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression was 48% lower in expensive states with larger cash benefits than in states with lower cash benefits. These patterns remained significant when controlling for numerous state-level social, economic, and political characteristics, including population density, education equity, incarceration rates, and gender equity.