Financial concern predicts deteriorations in mental and physical health among university students

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether students' financial concerns predicted subsequent changes in their mental and physical health. In addition the opportunity was taken to test for reverse causality, by exploring whether initial levels of health predicted subsequent changes in financial concern. Design: The study employed a prospective correlational design. Main Outcome Measures: Undergraduate students at a British university (N = 337) completed measures of financial concern and health at two time points, approximately 8 weeks apart. Results: Regression analyses indicated that experiencing greater financial concern at baseline was associated with subsequent deteriorations in health on the following outcomes: role limitation due to physical problems, role limitation due to emotional problems, social functioning, mental health, general health perception and change in health. By contrast, there was no evidence that initial health influenced subsequent changes in financial concern. Conclusion: Findings suggest that financial concern might adversely impact mental and physical health outcomes in student populations.

Keywords: Student health; financial concern; higher education; mental health; physical health; university students.