For the first time, scientists have shown that living in a society with income inequality changes children’s brain structure and mental health - even if their families are well-off.

Inequality doesn’t just divide society, it leaves lasting marks on the developing mind. Illustration by the author

A new study published in Nature Mental Health in 2025 shows that income inequality can affect children’s brain development and mental health. Researchers looked at data from over 8,000 U.S. children aged 9-10 and found that children living in states with higher income inequality had thinner brain regions and changes in brain networks involved in thinking and attention.

These brain differences were linked to more problems with anxiety and depression months later. Importantly, these effects were seen regardless of a family’s own income, showing that inequality at the societal level can impact children’s brains.

The study suggests that reducing income inequality and improving social support could help protect children’s brain development and mental well-being .

Reference:
Rakesh, D., Patel, V., Pickett, K., et al. (2025). Macroeconomic income inequality, brain structure and function, and mental health. Nature Mental Health. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44220-025-00508-1