How do income changes impact on mental health and wellbeing for working-age adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Lower incomes are associated with poorer mental health and wellbeing, but the extent to which income has a causal effect is debated. We aimed to synthesise evidence from studies measuring the impact of changes in individual and household income on mental health and wellbeing outcomes in working-age adults (aged 16-64 years). Methods For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, ASSIA, EconLit, and RePEc on Feb 5, 2020, for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quantitative non-randomised studies. We had no date limits for our search. We included English-language studies measuring effects of individual or household income change on any mental health or wellbeing outcome. We used Cochrane risk of bias (RoB) tools. We conducted three-level random-effects meta-analyses, and explored heterogeneity using meta-regression and stratified analyses. Synthesis without meta-analysis was based on effect direction. Critical RoB studies were excluded from primary analyses. Certainty of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020168379. Findings Of 16 521 citations screened, 136 were narratively synthesised (12.5% RCTs) and 86 meta-analysed. RoB was high: 30.1% were rated critical and 47.1% serious or high. A binary income increase lifting individuals out of poverty was associated with 0.13 SD improvement in mental health measures (95% CI 0.07 to 0.20; n=42 128; 18 studies), considerably larger than other income increases (0.01 SD improvement, 0.002 to 0.019; n=216 509, 14 studies). For wellbeing, increases out of poverty were associated with 0.38 SD improvement (0.09 to 0.66; n=101 350, 8 studies) versus 0.16 for other income increases (0.07 to 0.25; n=62 619, 11 studies). Income decreases from any source were associated with 0.21 SD worsening of mental health measures (-0.30 to -0.13; n=227 804, 11 studies). Effect sizes were larger in low-income and middle-income settings and in higher RoB studies. Heterogeneity was high (I-2=79-87%). GRADE certainty was low or very low. Interpretation Income changes probably impact mental health, particularly where they move individuals out of poverty, although effect sizes are modest and certainty low. Effects are larger for wellbeing outcomes, and potentially for income losses. To best support population mental health, welfare policies need to reach the most socioeconomically disadvantaged. Copyright (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

This study aimed to assess the impact of changes in individual and household income on mental health and wellbeing outcomes in working-age adults. The results suggested that income changes, particularly when individuals are lifted out of poverty, may have an impact on mental health and wellbeing. However, the effect sizes were modest, and the certainty of the evidence was low. Welfare policies should prioritize those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged to support population mental health.