Material need Insecurity among young adults: patterns and associations with mental health outcomes

This study examined patterns of material need insecurity and their associations with mental health outcomes among young adults. Using latent class analysis with 2,934 participants from the FFCWS, we identified four distinct classes: Multi-Domain Stability, Cost-Burdened Housing with High Food and Moderate Energy Insecurity, Doubling-Up Housing with High Food Insecurity but Low Energy Insecurity, and Severe Multi-Domain Insecurity. Depressive symptoms were highest in Doubling-Up Housing, whereas anxiety symptoms were highest in Severe Multi-Domain Insecurity. Findings reveal that mental health is shaped by specific configurations of material need insecurity beyond cumulative effects, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.