The Relationship between Socioeconomic Status with Mental and Physical Health

this research examined the relationship between the indicators of socioeconomic status (income, edu- cation, and occupation) and mental and physical health. 150 participants from Zanjan, Iran who worked as uni- versity presidents, professors, teachers, administrators, far- mers and a few other employees were administered the Me- ntal Health Inventory (Veit & Ware, 1983), the Physical Health Checklist (Boardman, 2004), and a demo- graphic information questionnaire. Data were analyzed using multi- variate analyses and chi square tests. Results showed a significant interaction effect of occupation and income on the psychological distress subscale of mental health. The relations between the level of education and two subscales of mental health (psychological well-being and distress) were significant, but between the level of education and physical health was not significant. Women as compared to men, showed lower levels of psycho- logical well-being and higher levels of psychological distress. But no gender differences were found in physical health. By confirming the relationship between mental health and socioeconomic status, the present research can be helpful in devising preventive policies and programs for promoting public health.