Being poor saps people's ability to think clearly: report
Those dealing with day-to-day financial challenges may face much more than just a shortage of cash -- their brains may be overtaxed as well.
The mental strain of living in poverty and thinking constantly about tight finances can drop a person’s IQ by as much as 13 per cent, or about the equivalent of losing a night of sleep, according to a new study.
Struggling this way consumes so much mental energy that there's often little room to think about anything else, which leaves low-income people more susceptible to poor decisions when it comes to managing money.
Previous studies have documented that poor people are less likely to take medications, keep appointments, or be attentive parents so the findings aren't a complete surprise. But the mental strain may be even stronger than many think.
"While the poor may be experiencing a scarcity of money, at some level what they may really be experiencing is a scarcity of bandwidth, of cognitive capacity,” the study's authors conclude. "It’s the situation that’s creating the stress."
The researchers looked at shoppers with average annual income of about $70,000, with the lowest income level at about $20,000. Studt participants were asked to ponder how they would solve financial problems such as a sudden car repair, being randomly assigned repair costs ranging from $150 to $1,500.
Split into "poor" and "rich" groups based on income, the study suggested that both groups performed equally well on cognitive tests when the dollar amount was low.
But, when faced with the prospect of a $1,500 car repair, those at the lower end of the income scale performed significantly worse on various intelligence and cognition tests. The more affluent participants, however, performed just as well as they had before.
"Previous views of poverty have blamed poverty on personal failings, or an environment that is not conducive to success," says lead researcher Jiaying Zhao, who now teaches at UBC. "We're arguing that the lack of financial resources itself can lead to impaired cognitive function. The very condition of not having enough can actually be a cause of poverty."
Does struggling with take such a toll? Have you had periods in your life when money worries clouded your thinking?
By Gordon Powers, MSN Money
Posted by: Rhonnda REA | Sep 18, 2021 5:07:54 AM
----Gee, some surprise!!! Lowest income was $20,000? Try raising a sck child on less than $12,000, having your child told that he shouldn't expect to go to university because he is poor, have the system keep him without a drug that 3 doctors tried to get for him so that now, he has serious complications because he had to wait 3 yrs. for the 'supportive' branch of the government to Ok it. That is just a few outrageous things we have had to weather over the years,...my brain isn't less intelligent,...it is just TIRED of dealing with stupid people in government,...now, after 34 years of fighting the 'system', nothing has gotten any better!! I think perfectly clearly,...it's the idiots I have had to deal with that lack the brains.,,,too bad you have to be rich to run for office, or I'd be out there changing a lot of things for the better for EVERYONE!!!
Posted by: E. Galton | Sep 18, 2021 8:32:13 AM
I agree with Rhonnda REA- (except I blame the Government Systems in place- not the mostly wonderful people who work for Gov.) I generally hit the 20,000 mark (though not every year) and raised two sons as a single Mom- I always found intelligent and resourceful ways to make due- even took a couple of good tries at "a dream" home ownership and Self Employment- Bartered and bargain hunted- I was opposed at almost EVERY stage by Banks with service charge fiascos, lack of credit access unfair high interest rates when credit was granted, tax issues, INSURANCE hassels and struggle after struggle after struggle- I thank God for my supportive friends and Family or I'd have been beat!! As it is I came out Penniless and virtually homeless heading into my old age- break even but not Beaten-- I also believe that more people like Rhonnda should be in Government positions to make much needed changes to the system and educate about true Reality of money---
Posted by: Adrian | Sep 18, 2021 8:48:31 AM
I can remember in the 80's when the business men were jumping out of high rise business buildings.
And today the rich/famous are either blowing their brains out or overdosing.
I suppose the situation is the same cognitively on either side of the scale.
The difference is that the poor have nothing to lose but the rich do.
Poor/rich has nothing to do with greed/contentment which is the driving force of todays cognitive thinking; seems that the rich is always trying to scheme from the poor and the poor is trying to steal from the rich.
Unfortunately the rich is totally dependant on the poor or they (rich ) would be on the front lines.
The reality is the poor are far more dangerous because of their numbers and increasing daily.
How long do you think that the masses will maintain the status quoi?
Posted by: Adrian | Sep 18, 2021 8:53:50 AM
When we all achieve a higher education ; will the wages drop ; who will do the work?
Seems that the educated don't have any answers or we would not be in the situation the world is in.
Posted by: Adrian | Sep 18, 2021 8:57:31 AM
It could be said or studied that the desire for success can lead to pverty.
What is success??
Posted by: dave | Sep 18, 2021 11:37:32 AM
Poverty, is very hard to dig your way out of and may last for generations.
Posted by: Mike | Sep 19, 2021 4:37:32 PM
While i agree that the general theme of the article is correct that stressing day to day about your finances will have a negative impact on your life, the focus should be on finding ways to improve your situation. I think it is very unproductive to play the blame game, I know several low income people who have dug themselves out of difficult situation and created a great life. Blaming others accomplishes nothing so we should get away from doing that.
Posted by: don | Sep 20, 2021 4:49:10 PM
The government does not give....the government takes away . Poverty has many causes but very few people are broke due to the government. In most cases the government gives money to those with none. The government is the people and sorry but it is not my fault! That being said I know so many people cheating. Hiding income, not filing taxes, lying for subsidies, claiming poverty so the can receive money and benefits they really have no right to. My grandchildren living with their single mom " in poverty" wear designer clothes and have pool parties for their birthdays but they do get subsidized housing and lots of money every month for child benefit. Mom has decent income, so does the guy she lives with but with equivalent to spouse benefits, support that equals a second income (which does not have to be claimed) she lives under the poverty line. If this stopped maybe there would be enough left for the people who really need help because they are out there. It is unfortunate it is assumed that you don't need the help but that is what we have brought upon ourselves with the lying and greed that is so common throughout our society. It used to be that people had pride and worked hard. Now the most common attitude seems to be to do as little as possible and get as much as possible that someone else has to pay for.