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International Journal of Public Health

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01-03-2019 | Mood Disorders | Original Article

Decreasing income inequality and adolescent emotional distress: a population-based case study of Icelandic adolescents 2006–2016

Authors: Arndis Vilhjalmsdottir, Bart De Clercq, Ragna B. Gardarsdottir, Jon Gunnar Bernburg, Inga Dora Sigfusdottir

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 2/2019

Abstract

Objectives

In this study, we aim to test whether changes in community income inequality influence adolescent emotional distress. We take advantage of the unique combination of data and history available in Iceland. This affluent welfare society has experienced extreme shifts in income inequality, allowing us to test whether changes in community income inequality are related to changes in adolescent emotional distress.

Methods

Combining adolescent survey data (n = 24,107) with tax registry data on 76 neighborhood communities, we used a multilevel approach to model the data as longitudinal in order to test whether changes in community income inequality are related to changes in symptoms of anxiety and depression among adolescents.

Results

The results showed that, after adjusting for relevant individual and community covariates, decreases in community income inequality were associated with decreases in symptoms of anxiety among adolescents (b = − 0.367, p ≤ 0.001), but not with decreases in symptoms of depression.

Conclusions

While the results provide a partial support for the income inequality thesis, we call for replications from other cultures and studies exploring the mediating role of social psychological processes.

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Title: Decreasing income inequality and adolescent emotional distress: a population-based case study of Icelandic adolescents 2006–2016
Authors: Arndis Vilhjalmsdottir
Bart De Clercq
Ragna B. Gardarsdottir
Jon Gunnar Bernburg
Inga Dora Sigfusdottir
Publication date: 01-03-2019
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Mood Disorders
Affective Disorder
Anxiety
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 2/2019
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-018-1193-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Decreasing income inequality and adolescent emotional distress: a population-based case study of Icelandic adolescents 2006–2016

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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