The effects of neighborhood social cohesion on preventing depression and anxiety among adolescents and young adults: rapid review

Effects of Social Cohesion on Mental Health

The notion that neighborhood social cohesion can play a significant role in preventing depression and anxiety among adolescents and young adults is grounded in a wealth of psychological research. Social cohesion refers to the connectedness and solidarity among groups in society. Within the context of a neighborhood, it entails the strength of relationships and the degree of interpersonal trust among members of the community.

Research suggests that when individuals perceive their neighborhood as cohesive and supportive, they are more likely to experience positive mental health outcomes. This sense of belonging and mutual support can act as a buffer against psychological distress. For instance, adolescents and young adults benefit from the stable social networks provided by a cohesive community, which can protect against the development of mood disorders like depression and anxiety.

Interventions such as community arts programs, safe space initiatives, and comprehensive community initiatives have been found to foster neighborhood cohesion and, in turn, contribute to positive mental health outcomes. For example, Beauregard et al. (2020) discuss how community arts build connectedness across cultures and generations. Moreover, interventions that target the social determinants of health, especially for vulnerable populations such as refugees, have been demonstrated to improve mental health by improving social connections as illustrated by Goodkind et al. (2020).