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Can money buy happiness?
Marcello Spinella1, David Lester
1Psychology Program, The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, P.O. Box 195, Jimmie Leeds Road, Pomona, NJ 08240-0195, USA.
Psychological Reports
|February 20, 2007
Summary
Lower income was linked to increased confusion and tension in community residents. However, this association disappeared after accounting for age, sex, and education levels.
Area of Science:
- Socioeconomic factors and mental well-being
- Psychological health in community settings
Background:
- Socioeconomic status is a known determinant of health.
- The relationship between income and specific mood states requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between income and mood states.
- To determine if demographic factors mediate the income-mood relationship.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 406 community residents.
- Analysis of self-reported mood states (confusion, tension).
- Statistical controls for age, sex, and education.
Main Results:
- Initial negative association found between income and confusion.
- Initial negative association found between income and tension.
- All income-mood associations were nullified after controlling for covariates.
Conclusions:
- The observed link between lower income and negative mood states was not independent.
- Age, sex, and education appear to confound the relationship between income and mood.
- Further research should consider comprehensive demographic factors in health disparities.
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