Financial Hardship and Psychological Distress Among Indigenous Children: The Buffering Role of Family and Community

Abstract Indigenous peoples in Australia face disproportionate rates of financial hardship and psychological distress. Drawing on data from the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children and employing multivariate regression analysis techniques, this study identified a strong and independent positive association between financial hardship and psychological distress, evident in both immediate and cumulative impacts. Notably, perceived financial hardship-characterised by concerns and anxiety about money-was found to have psychological impacts comparable to those of actual financial hardship-defined by the inability to meet basic financial needs. The findings revealed a disproportionately larger effect of financial hardship on primary carers compared to young people, suggesting that carers play a critical buffering role. This protective effect is further supported by evidence indicating that the psychological distress experienced by young people is partially mediated by the distress of their primary carers. Conversely, the study also identified positive child–mother relationships and good communities-particularly those where young people perceive there are many fun things to do-as important protective factors that mitigate the adverse psychological effects of financial hardship. Overall, the findings underscore the systemic and intergenerational nature of financial stress within Indigenous families and highlight the urgent need for holistic, culturally responsive interventions that foster resilience at both family and community levels.