The Multifaceted Impact of Financial Stress on Physiological, Psychological Well-being, and Success: A Comprehensive Review and Strategic Interventions

Financial stress—the psychological and physical strain from financial instability—is increasingly prevalent today. This analysis explores how financial stress impacts health and success, using a mixed-methods approach to examine effects on immune function, metabolic health, sleep, mental health, cognitive ability, behavior, and relationships. It also evaluates success metrics like career growth, academic performance, entrepreneurship, and personal development. The study applies the Biopsychosocial Model of Health and the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping to understand these complex interactions. While prior research highlights the widespread impact of financial stress, gaps remain regarding its long-term effects and variations across groups. Findings show financial stress increases risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, immune suppression, metabolic disorders, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, social isolation, and diminished life performance. The study emphasizes the need for holistic solutions by uncovering feedback loops between stress and success outcomes. Proposed solutions include financial advising, policy reforms, and personal strategies like financial literacy and stress management. It calls for further research into innovative interventions, especially through digital tools and social support networks.