Study: The smaller the gap between rich and poor, the greater the benefit of money in reducing physical pain

A study led by researchers at NTU has found that at a population level, higher income can positively affect minimising people’s physical pain, which is only observed in countries with greater income equality. The findings are based on a survey of over 1 million adults from 127 countries asking about physical pain and monthly household income before taxes, which was analysed alongside published measures from the World Bank for income inequality, inflation, and unemployment rates. The research results were published in the academic journal Social Science & Medicine in September this year. The paper's lead authors are Asst Prof Tang Cheng Keat and Prof Nattavudh Powdthavee, who are both from NTU’s SSS. The two said past research has identified the relationship between income and pain but has not delved into income equality and inflation. Asst Prof Deng said that although Singapore was not included in the study, its results are still applicable, as with a higher income, one can enjoy a healthier lifestyle and a better quality of life and face less stress.