How unstable income affects mental and physical health

Unstable Income, Rising Stress? The Effects of Income Instability on Psychological and Physiological Health

NIH-funded research Cornell University · NIH-11145280

This study looks at how changes in income can affect the mental and physical health of people, especially those with lower incomes, by checking stress levels and other health markers, and it’s being done in southwestern Bangladesh.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCornell University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ithaca, United States)
Project IDNIH-11145280 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of income instability on the psychological and physiological health of individuals, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. It aims to understand how fluctuations in income can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and other health issues by measuring biomarkers such as cortisol and blood pressure. The study will also explore the differences between predictable and unpredictable income changes and their respective effects on health outcomes. Conducted in southwestern Bangladesh, the research will analyze various factors, including age and gender, that may influence these health effects.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals from low-income backgrounds experiencing unstable income.

Not a fit: Patients with stable income or those not facing economic hardships may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and interventions to improve the health of individuals facing income instability.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that income stability is linked to better health outcomes, suggesting that this study's approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Ithaca, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.