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Exploring the relationship between depressive symptoms, allostatic load, and income inequality in US adults aged 20 and older

Author

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  • Balsara, Khushbu
  • Iftikhar, Ali
  • Animashaun, Emmanuel
  • Assari, Shervin
  • Zare, Hossein

Abstract

Allostatic load, reflecting the cumulative physiological impact of persistent stress on the body, has been recognized as a correlate of physical health outcomes. Despite well-documented associations between allostatic load and physical health, there is limited understanding of its connections to depressive symptoms. In particular, less is known about how socioeconomic status (SES) may moderate this relationship, despite theoretical rationale for such an interaction.

Suggested Citation

  • Balsara, Khushbu & Iftikhar, Ali & Animashaun, Emmanuel & Assari, Shervin & Zare, Hossein, 2025. "Exploring the relationship between depressive symptoms, allostatic load, and income inequality in US adults aged 20 and older," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 384(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:384:y:2025:i:c:s0277953625009256
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118594
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Franziska Reiss & Ann-Katrin Meyrose & Christiane Otto & Thomas Lampert & Fionna Klasen & Ulrike Ravens-Sieberer, 2019. "Socioeconomic status, stressful life situations and mental health problems in children and adolescents: Results of the German BELLA cohort-study," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(3), pages 1-16, March.
    2. Colen, Cynthia G. & Ramey, David M. & Cooksey, Elizabeth C. & Williams, David R., 2018. "Racial disparities in health among nonpoor African Americans and Hispanics: The role of acute and chronic discrimination," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 199(C), pages 167-180.
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