Intergenerational Socioeconomic Mobility and Adult Depression: The CONSTANCES Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Intergenerational socioeconomic mobility is a key determinant of health outcomes.
• Socioeconomic position, established in childhood, can influence adult mental health.
• Understanding the link between socioeconomic mobility and depression is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between intergenerational socioeconomic mobility and adult depression.
• To investigate the relationship between socioeconomic mobility and antidepressant use.
• To identify specific socioeconomic trajectories linked to increased depression risk.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the French CONSTANCES study (n=67,057, 2012-2014).
• Assessed socioeconomic position based on parental occupation (childhood) and own occupation (adulthood).
• Employed logistic regression models, adjusting for various confounding factors.

Main Results:

• Downward mobility and persistently low socioeconomic position were significantly associated with higher odds of depression.
• Downward mobility and persistently low socioeconomic position also increased the likelihood of antidepressant use.
• The association between socioeconomic mobility and depression was more pronounced in women and younger adults.

Conclusions:

• Socioeconomic inequalities and depression risk factors are established early in life.
• Clinicians and policymakers should consider childhood socioeconomic factors in mental health assessments and strategies.
• Addressing socioeconomic mobility is essential for reducing the burden of adult depression.