| The mechanisms by which socioeconomic status (SES) exerts an influence on mental and physical health outcomes, particularly cardiovascular function, deserve greater attention. Using a cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) paradigm, the present study sought to replicate the inverse relationship between SES and health, as well as explore potential psychosocial factors that may mediate and/or moderate this well-established association. Results of simultaneous regression analyses revealed that household income was associated with CVR in a positive rather than a negative direction. Furthermore, SES was not associated with resting levels of cardiovascular function. For mental health, although SES was associated with satisfaction with life in the expected direction, it was not associated with self-reports of depression. Although there was evidence that perceived social support is a potential psychosocial mediator and moderator of the SES-mental health association, there was no support for the psychosocial processes responsible for the SES-physical health link among the current data. Limitations of the current data and methodology are discussed. Moreover, suggestions for future investigation of the SES-cardiovascular health relationship, including consideration of alternative paradigms for CVR are explored. |
