The impact of economic crisis on the mental health of children and adolescents: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction

Economic crises significantly affect mental health across individuals, families, and communities, with children and adolescents being especially vulnerable. Financial stress, parental distress, and family conflict can disrupt development and increase emotional, behavioural, and cognitive difficulties. This review uses Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory to examine how economic hardship influences youth mental health through interconnected individual, familial, and societal systems.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar for studies (2015–2025) addressing economic hardship and mental health in children, adolescents, and parents. Inclusion required original research in English or French, with low or moderate risk of bias assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) and its cross-sectional adaptation (NOS-CSS). Of 7104 records, 66 studies met criteria. Findings were grouped into three domains: mental health outcomes, child development, and the parent–child relationship.

Results

Financial hardship was consistently linked to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and substance use, often in a dose-response pattern. Socioeconomic disadvantage worsened access to care and outcomes, especially among the unemployed, less educated, women, and minorities. Youth exposed to economic strain showed higher rates of self-harm and suicide risk. Developmental impact, cognitive, emotional, and physical, was mediated by maternal mental health, parenting, nutrition, and environmental stress. Parental warmth and developmental knowledge emerged as protective factors.

Conclusion

Bronfenbrenner’s framework illustrates how economic crises affect child mental health across ecological layers. Coordinated responses addressing parenting, healthcare access, policy, and early-life support are essential to mitigate long-term harm in vulnerable populations.