Research: Poverty experienced as a child makes far-sighted decisions difficult even as an adult

Life the initial habit in poor conditions can leave lasting traces on a person’s development and affect the later course of life, even if the scarcity can be overcome later.

Even as adults, those who experienced poverty as children are more inclined to choose a quick benefit, even if they could get a bigger reward by waiting. This is according to a study published this week by the University of Pittsburgh in the United States.

Subjects who lived in poverty as children also reacted more strongly to the deterioration of their own financial situation. That also made them prefer immediate rewards, even if they would have gotten more by postponing them.

The result was this regardless of the employment situation and despite the fact that those with higher education were overrepresented in the group.

Perception according to the researchers, it also fits with previous research data, according to which those who experienced poverty-related stress as children are less tolerant of stress as adults.

They also have a worse perceived state of health, more chronic diseases and depressive symptoms, and weaker intellectual abilities.

Widely the study involved almost 13,000 people from 61 countries and different childhood conditions. They were tasked with choosing between imaginary rewards that were available immediately or later.

Support published by Plos One.