Table 3

Mental health variables in adolescence stratified by classes of family income during childhood (n=9154)

Never poor
M (SD)
Moving into poverty
M (SD)
Moving out of poverty
M (SD)
Chronically poor
M (SD)
Χ2 dfp ValuePairwise comparisons
SDQ total10.03 (0.06)11.28 (0.32)11.49 (0.48)11.31 (0.40)41.3653<0.0011<2, 3, 4
Emotion2.99 (0.03)3.28 (0.16)3.52 (0.22)3.29 (0.18)14.79230.0021<3
Conduct1.41 (0.02)1.57 (0.09)1.69 (0.13)1.67 (0.10)19.1393<0.0011<3, 4
Hyper3.92 (0.02)4.29 (0.14)4.32 (0.20)3.70 (0.17)12.01930.0071<2, 3; 2>4; 3>4
Peer1.71 (0.02)2.15 (0.11)1.95 (0.15)2.65 (0.13)77.1073<0.0011<2, 4; 2<4; 3<4
Depression5.77 (0.07)6.74 (0.41)6.68 (0.52)6.86 (0.51)15.84330.0011<2, 4
ADHD26.82 (0.12)27.72 (0.68)28.48 (0.93)25.74 (0.88)5.66730.129
Inattention14.49 (0.08)14.92 (0.43)15.33 (0.60)13.63 (0.53)4.70430.195
Hyperactivity/ impulsivity11.44 (0.06)11.81 (0.37)11.60 (0.50)10.58 (0.48)3.9630.266
  • ADHD, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; SDQ, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.