The associations between poverty and social–emotional outcomes among children in Japan

Abstract

Abstract The current study examined the impacts of poverty on children’s socio-emotional outcomes among Japanese children. Children of 325 Japanese families were identified based on the Japan Household Panel Study and Japan Child Panel Survey. Poverty was examined in four non-linear income to needs ratio categories and the poverty status, poverty and non-poverty. Compared to children who were in the lowest income to needs ratios, children in the upper categories had less fewer behavioural problems. Children in poverty had significantly lower physical health, emotional well-being, self-esteem, family, friends and school relationship than those children not in poverty. Children’s time spent on academics and family support significantly affected children’s social outcomes. Child poverty and its adverse impacts on children’s mental health should be considered in the ecological framework that incorporates children, family, community and policy. This study examined the associations between poverty and socio-emotional developments among children in Japan. Children and parents of 325 Japanese families participated and provided data on the household poverty status and children’s socio-emotional outcomes. Children’s socio-emotional outcomes included in the study were behavioural difficulties (strength/weakness) reported by parents and social adaptability (six indicators on the quality of life) measured by children’s self-report. Findings indicated that poverty has significant adverse impacts on Japanese children’s mental health. The adverse impact of poverty became more prevalent as families’ income decreased. Among children living in poverty, self-reported mental health problems were significantly higher than those reported by parents. Other factors such as grade level (upper grade), less time spent on academics and a larger household size negatively affected mental health. Findings suggest for policy interventions with increased expenditures on income assistance programmes for families with children in Japan. In addition, social workers or other service providers in Japan should facilitate matching low-income families with children to available social service programmes. Poverty and its adverse impacts on children’s mental health should be considered in an ecological framework that incorporates children, family, community and policy.