Inner Wealth: Predicting Lower Levels of Depression and Anxiety Severity

Abstract

Anxiety and depression are the two most prevalent mental health issues among adults living in the United States. Consistent with the wellness, prevention, and development pillars of the counseling field, inner wealth (IW) is a strengths-based construct centered on empowering clients to realize their inherent value and potential as people. We investigated the capacity of IW for predicting lower levels of depression and anxiety severity with a national sample (N = 793) of adults in the United States. We also examined demographic differences in IW among U.S. adults. Results revealed support for the capacity of IW for predicting substantially lower anxiety and depression scores. In addition, significant demographic differences in IW emerged by gender and help-seeking history. Results are discussed in terms of the potential utility of IW for edifying the practice of mental health counselors, particularly when working with adults in the United States who are living with anxiety and/or depression.