Abstract

Mental health problems in early adolescents are a public health challenge in many western communities. The aim
of this study was to examine the association between social anxiety and mental health problems, related to parental
socioeconomic status. Data from a cross-sectional survey among Norwegian school-children were used
(N=9707), targeting pupils in 5-7 grade (aged 10-13) and their parents (N=8603). The Strengths and Difficulties
Questionnaire was used for measuring mental health problems and their impact, based on self-reported data from
the children. For determining social anxiety problems, questions from Development and Well Being Assessment were
used. Parent education was used as an indicator for children`s socioeconomic status. Information on social anxiety
problems and socioeconomic status were obtained from the parental questionnaire.
We found a strong relationship between social anxiety and mental health problems in the group representing
low parental socioeconomic status (OR=2.607) compared with the group representing high socioeconomic status
(OR=1.169). Examining the individual items of the measure of social anxiety, we also found that children in the low
socioeconomic status group had a higher prevalence of problems performing in front of others.
Social inequality contributes to different mental health outcomes in children with social anxiety.