Society & Culture / Social Issues / Poverty & Inequality

the bidirectional causal relationship between poverty and mental health (particularly depression

Causal Links and Intervention Mechanisms Between Poverty and Mental Health 贫困与心理健康的因果关联及干预机制Poverty & The Mind This research report explores the bidirectional causal relationship between poverty and mental health (particularly depression and anxiety) and its underlying mechanisms. The study shows that negative economic shocks can induce mental illness, while anti-poverty programs (such as cash transfers) can significantly improve mental well-being. Simultaneously, mental illness exacerbates poverty by impairing cognitive function, altering economic preferences, and reducing labor productivity. The authors point out that although mental health is crucial for economic decision-making, it remains severely neglected in policy priorities and healthcare budgets in low- and middle-income countries. Through a meta-analysis of multiple randomized controlled trials, the report confirms the high cost-effectiveness of mental health interventions in improving employment and income. Therefore, combining mental health care with economic assistance is crucial to breaking the vicious cycle of poverty-mental illness.