Abstract
This study explores the interrelationship among financial stress, well-being, and sustainable finance based on a gender-sensitive perspective. Financial stress has significant effects on mental health, physical well-being, and life satisfaction, with gendered differences that are influenced by socio-economic status, resource access and cultural norms. Men and women experience and respond to FS in different ways. Therefore, approach levels of attaining the disparities among them should be tailored. The research focuses on three main areas: the impacts of FS on mental and physical health and life satisfaction, gender-specific financial stressors, and the potential of sustainable finance practices such as financial inclusion and literacy programs to mitigate FS and improve well-being. This study uses a mixed-method approach, analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data. The Financial Stress Scale (FSS) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) were analyzed by gender. Despite the ample evidence that relates FS to well-being, it is still a subject of limited studies, especially by gender. Therefore, this paper will fill this gap by providing information on how sustainable finance can facilitate resilience and equitable well-being.
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