Objective
Research on status inconsistency (SI) and its impact on mental health has been dormant for many years. This study tested the
association between SI and emotional distress, anxiety and mood disorders.
Methods
Data were gathered from the Israel-based component of the World Mental Health Survey (n = 4,859). SI was defined by the combination of high education (13+ years) with low income (1st decile). Mood and anxiety
disorders were diagnosed with the composite international diagnostic instrument (CIDI), and emotional distress was measured
with the 12-item general health questionnaire (GHQ-12).
Results
Multivariate analysis showed increased risk for mood or anxiety disorders among SI subjects (n = 231), odds ratio (OR) = 1.75, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.13–2.63. The estimate was slightly attenuated when marital
status was added to the model (OR = 1.55, 95% CI 1.0–2.39). SI subjects showed higher GHQ-12 scores.
Conclusion
SI, which can disrupt an individual’s sense of coherence, is associated, although not causally, with increased 12 month prevalence
rates for mood or anxiety disorders and with higher psychological distress.
Keywords status inconsistency - emotional distress - mood and anxiety disorders - world mental health survey - Israel