How changes in debt affect stress and health in lower-income Americans
Within-Year Debt Fluctuations, Stress, and Health
This study is looking at how changes in debt affect the mental health of people with lower incomes, using a smartphone survey to check in with 410 participants every two weeks for a year to see if managing debt helps ease stress or makes anxiety and depression worse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10983450 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how fluctuations in debt levels impact the mental health of lower-income individuals. By utilizing a novel smartphone survey, the study will collect biweekly data on health, income, and debt from 410 participants over the course of a year. The goal is to understand whether these debt changes help reduce stress or contribute to anxiety and depression. This approach aims to fill gaps in existing knowledge about the relationship between financial management and health outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are lower-income adults aged 21 and older who experience fluctuations in their debt levels.
Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing financial stress or who do not have fluctuating debt levels may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into how managing debt can improve mental health for lower-income individuals.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that financial stress can significantly impact mental health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bea, Megan D — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Bea, Megan D
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.