Disparity in Resources

The disparity between resources available to those who have compared to those who have not is remarkable, especially in light of evidence that suggests when individuals perceive a lack of options, it contributes to psychological ill health and sickness (Lever, Piñol, & Uralde, 2005).  These same authors concluded that poverty's effects are insidious in that simply perceiving one's circumstances as precarious has a powerful and lasting effect on psychological well-being.  However, positive self-perception is increased when individuals learn coping skills and gain a sense of control over their circumstances.  In addition to your valuable recommendations, teaching coping skills might be an added benefit.    

I found this fact tremendously fascinating: although disadvantaged neighborhoods had higher risks of disease than their advantaged counterparts, after controlling income, levels of education, and vocation, there was still a higher risk of disease (Marks, Murray, Evans, & Estacio, 2011).  This speaks to the tremendous effects of psychological health and well-being on disease.    

References

Lever, J. P., Piñol, N. L., & Uralde, J. H. (2005). Poverty, Psychological Resources And Subjective Well-Being. Social Indicators Research, 73(3), 375-408. doi: 10.1007/s11205-004-1072-7

Marks, D. F., Murray, M., Evans, B., & Estacio, E. V. (2011). Health Psychology: Theory, Research, and Practice (3rd ed.). London: Sage.