The impact of income instability on mental health and aging

Shaky Income, Rising Angst? Income Volatility, Psychological Health, and Biological Aging

NIH-funded research University of Southern California · NIH-11075235

This study looks at how changes in income can impact mental health and aging, especially for people with lower incomes, to better understand how financial stress might lead to health problems like heart disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Southern California NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11075235 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how fluctuations in income affect psychological health and biological aging, particularly among individuals with low socioeconomic status. It aims to understand the relationship between economic uncertainty and health disparities, focusing on how stress from income volatility can lead to increased risks of cardiovascular disease and accelerated aging. By analyzing data on income changes and health outcomes, the study seeks to uncover the mechanisms through which financial instability influences both mental and physical health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds who experience significant fluctuations in their income.

Not a fit: Patients who have stable incomes or are not affected by economic uncertainty may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to interventions that help mitigate the negative health effects of income volatility, improving overall well-being for affected individuals.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that economic stressors can negatively impact health, suggesting that this study's approach is grounded in established findings.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, 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 2026-06-10 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.