How being poor can lead to a negative spiral of fear and self-loathing

A new report shows how the 'scarcity mindset' affects those living in poverty - they focus on the short term, internalise negative images and have feelings of failure

Commenting on the actions and choices of those in poverty seems to have become a national sport. It's rare to ever have a discussion about economic hardship in Britain without a bystander or internet commenter leaning forward and opining "But they've all got flatscreen TVs and smoke cigarettes." The economic choices of the very poorest are seen as ripe for public dissection.

But the psychological consequences of poverty are discussed far less. Oxford University and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation have released a study that goes some way to silencing those who would argue poverty is simply a moral failing. The newly released Household Below Average Income figures for 2013/14 show no progress whatsoever on poverty rates, and a slim increase in child poverty and working families earning less than they need: so poverty is here to stay.

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