Question

A study in your text addressing the relationship between SES and the likelihood of developing a psychological disorder among children found that:

a) Children from lower SES backgrounds were more likely to develop psychological disorders.
b) There was no relationship between SES and the likelihood of developing psychological disorders in children.
c) Children from higher SES backgrounds were more likely to develop psychological disorders.
d) The study did not yield conclusive results.

Answer 1

Children from lower SES backgrounds are at a greater risk of developing psychological disorders, as SES influences morbidity and mortality across diseases and affects stress levels, which can harm brain function and development. Educational opportunities are also unequally distributed based on SES, contributing to the challenges faced by children from lower-income families.

Step-by-step explanation:

The relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and the likelihood of developing psychological disorders among children shows that children from lower SES backgrounds are more likely to develop such disorders. This conclusion is supported by research indicating that SES is a consistent predictor of a person's morbidity and mortality experience across all diseases, continuing throughout the entire lifespan, and extending across numerous risk factors for disease. Moreover, children living in poverty have been found to experience more pervasive, daily stress, which can negatively affect brain functions and development.

Additionally, disparities in educational opportunities also link closely to social class. Students from lower SES backgrounds often face multiple challenges that impact their educational attainment and mental well-being. Considering these factors, along with evidence that suggests the achievement gap in education is significantly influenced by socioeconomic factors, it is reasonable to conclude that children from lower SES backgrounds are at a greater risk for psychological disorders.