People Just Need More Money: The Role of Disposable Income as a Key Moderator of Heart Rate Variability Among Risk Factors in Adolescents from Low-Income Households in Colombia, Nepal, and South Africa Claire Tait-Doak 2617797 Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam P_BTHESEGHG - B-thesis Genes, Cognition and Behaviour Dr. Martin Gevonden August 14th, 2025 Word Count: 5939 Abstract IntroductionThe global burden of depression is a leading cause of disability, yet diagnosis and treatment remain difficult. Paradigms are shifting from purely medicalised models toward understanding genes, risk factors, and physiology in depression. This study examined psychosocial risk exposures and heart rate variability (HRV) in adolescents from low-income countries, and how effects differ between those with and without depression. MethodA sample of 1,107 participants aged 13-15 from Colombia, Nepal, and South Africa completed psychometric tests (MMAP, IDEA-RS) to identify risk factors of abuse (A) and volatile parental/caregiver relationships (PR).…...