Mental health and financial behavior: there are a link between these two spheres?

Purpose The purpose of this study systematically reviews the growing body of interdisciplinary literature exploring the link between mental health (MH) and financial behavior (FB). It seeks to clarify how financial literacy, financial capability and economic behaviors influence various forms of anxiety and psychological distress across different demographic and cultural contexts. Design/methodology/approach Using the Web of Science database, a systematic search was conducted combining keywords related to MH and FB. A total of 14 peer-reviewed journal articles published up to 2024 were included. Bibliometric and thematic analyses were carried out using VOSviewer, Excel and Bibliometrix in RStudio to identify conceptual clusters and research trends. Findings The review highlights both individual-level mechanisms and structural determinants in the MH–FB nexus. It proposes a multidimensional framework for future research and practical policy development, underscoring the need to incorporate financial education into public health, education and social inclusion agendas as a strategy to foster both economic empowerment and mental resilience. Originality/value This review is among the first to integrate multidisciplinary evidence on the MH–FB nexus, highlighting both individual-level mechanisms and structural determinants. It proposes a multidimensional framework for future research and practical policy development. The findings underscore the need to incorporate financial education into public health, education and social inclusion agendas as a strategy to foster both economic empowerment and mental resilience.