The burden of poverty-related shame: Impact of comparative environment and social support

Shame is considered a fundamental aspect of understanding poverty. This study explored the association between the comparative environment, social support from one's father, mother, and best friend, and poverty-related shame. In addition, the study examined how these factors relate to self-esteem as well as social and emotional adjustment, based on Walker's model of poverty-shame nexus. A total of 351 Chinese college students were included in the final analysis (poverty group: 155, non-poverty group: 196). A multigroup analysis revealed an association between the comparative environment and poverty-related shame in both groups. Meanwhile, paternal support was associated with poverty-related shame only in the poverty group, maternal support only in the non-poverty group, and friend's support was not significantly associated with poverty-related shame in either group. Furthermore, the link between poverty-related shame and self-esteem existed only in the poverty group. The results highlight the importance of a supportive, non-stigmatizing environment and suggest the need for tailored support based on individual circumstances, providing insights for more effective poverty support efforts.