Income, Stigma, and Affect in Portuguese Adults Living in Poverty

This study examined how household income severity relates to affect among adults in poverty in Portugal. Cross-sectional data from 357 adults recruited through the European Anti-Poverty Network were analyzed using hierarchical regression, sequential decomposition, and parallel mediation. The very-low-income subgroup reported higher self-stigma and discrimination, lower social support, and lower positive affect than the low-income subgroup. The binary income–positive affect association lost roughly 94% of its magnitude once education, professional status, and household size were modeled. Findings suggest that, within poverty populations, income contrasts primarily mark compounded structural exposure, with implications for poverty-focused interventions and welfare policy.