Do stressful events account for the link between socioeconomic status and mental health?

Background The purpose of this study was to prospectively examine the relationships between socioeconomic status (SES), demographic variables and mental health and to determine whether number of life stressors mediated these relationships. Methods Wave 1 (2001-02) and 2 (2004-05) data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC; n = 34 459) were used in the current study. Controlling for wave 1 mental health, a mediation model was tested to determine the relative impact of socioeconomic and demographic variables (all measured at wave 1) on mental health 3 years later (wave 2). The number of life stressors experienced in the 12 months prior to wave 1, assessed at wave 1, was evaluated as the mediator. Results Findings indicated that SES, age, race/ethnicity, gender and marital status independently predicted changes in mental health ratings at wave 2. In addition, the number of life stressors mediated the relation between socioeconomic and demographic variables and mental health. Exposure to life stressors helps to explain commonly reported socioeconomic and demographic disparities in mental health. Conclusions Findings may suggest that reducing exposure to stressors and/or improving coping with life stressors may both improve mental health and reduce health disparities.