Urban precarity and youth mental health: An interpretive scoping review of emerging approaches

Pykett, Jessica; Campbell, Niyah; Fenton, Sarah‐Jane; Gagen, Elizabeth; Lavis, Anna; Newbigging, Karen; Parkin, Verity; Williams, Jessy

doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115619

Cited by 8 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 106 publications

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“…Cities function as complex systems, and systems-centred research can best enable us to understand how individuals’ interactions with one another and with their environments influence good or poor mental health 76 . Similarly, interdisciplinary inquiry is needed that investigates urban precarity and sheds light on social interventions for youth mental health 77 . New research that tests implementation strategies and measures mental health outcomes of coordinated cross-sectoral interventions in cities could be integrated with planned actions.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Making cities mental health friendly for adolescents and young adults

Collins,

Sinha,

Concepcion

et al. 2024

Nature

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Urban life shapes the mental health of city dwellers, and although cities provide access to health, education and economic gain, urban environments are often detrimental to mental health1,2. Increasing urbanization over the next three decades will be accompanied by a growing population of children and adolescents living in cities3. Shaping the aspects of urban life that influence youth mental health could have an enormous impact on adolescent well-being and adult trajectories4. We invited a multidisciplinary, global group of researchers, practitioners, advocates and young people to complete sequential surveys to identify and prioritize the characteristics of a mental health-friendly city for young people. Here we show a set of ranked characteristic statements, grouped by personal, interpersonal, community, organizational, policy and environmental domains of intervention. Life skills for personal development, valuing and accepting young people’s ideas and choices, providing safe public space for social connection, employment and job security, centring youth input in urban planning and design, and addressing adverse social determinants were priorities by domain. We report the adversities that COVID-19 generated and link relevant actions to these data. Our findings highlight the need for intersectoral, multilevel intervention and for inclusive, equitable, participatory design of cities that support youth mental health.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Making cities mental health friendly for adolescents and young adults

Collins,

Sinha,

Concepcion

et al. 2024

Nature

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“…85 Furthermore, new studies must accommodate existing research on urban environments, including building design, and how neurodevelopment and social meaning interact. 86,87…”

Section: Methodological Issues In Air Pollution and Mental Health Res...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Air quality and mental health: evidence, challenges and future directions

et al. 2023

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Background Poor air quality is associated with poor health. Little attention is given to the complex array of environmental exposures and air pollutants that affect mental health during the life course. Aims We gather interdisciplinary expertise and knowledge across the air pollution and mental health fields. We seek to propose future research priorities and how to address them. Method Through a rapid narrative review, we summarise the key scientific findings, knowledge gaps and methodological challenges. Results There is emerging evidence of associations between poor air quality, both indoors and outdoors, and poor mental health more generally, as well as specific mental disorders. Furthermore, pre-existing long-term conditions appear to deteriorate, requiring more healthcare. Evidence of critical periods for exposure among children and adolescents highlights the need for more longitudinal data as the basis of early preventive actions and policies. Particulate matter, including bioaerosols, are implicated, but form part of a complex exposome influenced by geography, deprivation, socioeconomic conditions and biological and individual vulnerabilities. Critical knowledge gaps need to be addressed to design interventions for mitigation and prevention, reflecting ever-changing sources of air pollution. The evidence base can inform and motivate multi-sector and interdisciplinary efforts of researchers, practitioners, policy makers, industry, community groups and campaigners to take informed action. Conclusions There are knowledge gaps and a need for more research, for example, around bioaerosols exposure, indoor and outdoor pollution, urban design and impact on mental health over the life course.

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“…These protocols defined study participants' rights, highlighting informed consent and the option to refuse participation. Qualitative research participants received a study information sheet and provided verbal informed consent (adults) or assent without parental consent (participants age [16][17]. Verbal consent was documented on audio recordings of adults and with gift card payment of youth informants.…”

Section: Ethical Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These efforts matter. While urban environments can pose high risks for poor mental health [11][12][13], they can also offer mental health-promoting environments, institutions, and services that are accessible, affordable, and culturally appropriate to diverse populations, supporting youth mental health through promotion, prevention and care [13][14][15][16]. Few cities adopt an intersectoral approach to address the mental health needs of adolescents and young adults, taking advantage of resources within and outside of the health system.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A mixed methods analysis of youth mental health intervention feasibility and acceptability in a North American city: Perspectives from Seattle, Washington

Mensa-Kwao,

Sub Cuc,

Concepcion

et al. 2024

PLoS ONE

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In March 2021, the Governor of Washington declared a youth mental health crisis. State data revealed high rates of youth suicide and inadequate access to services. This study aims to ascertain the kinds of support across the mental health care continuum recommended by young people and key stakeholders who could assist with implementation in Seattle. We interviewed 15 key informants to identify the contextual, structural, and individual-level factors that increase the risk of poor mental health and deter access to care among youth. We complimented these data with a 25-item survey of 117 participants in King County to assess the feasibility and acceptability of interventions for youth mental health. We conducted a deductive thematic qualitative analysis of the interviews and performed descriptive analyses of the quantitative data, using t-tests and χ2 tests to summarize and compare participant characteristics stratified by age group. Qualitative informants attributed challenges to youth mental health to social isolation and relational problems. Example interventions included creating environments that increase belonging and implementation of culturally congruent mental health services. Quantitative study participants rated all evidence-based mental health interventions presented as highly acceptable. However, youth preferred interventions promoting social connectedness, peer support, and holistic approaches to care, while non-youth preferred interventions focused on suicide, and substance abuse prevention. Key informants and survey participants identified schools as the most important setting for mental health interventions. There were no significant differences among quantitative outcomes. Our findings highlight the need for interventions that reduce isolation and increase social connectedness to support youth mental health. As the city designs youth responsive interventions, schools and digital platforms should be prioritized. Engaging multiple stakeholders, particularly young people, tackling cultural stigma surrounding mental health, and improving access to safe community spaces are important considerations for youth mental health interventions.

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Urban precarity and youth mental health: An interpretive scoping review of emerging approaches

Cited by 8 publications

References 106 publications

Making cities mental health friendly for adolescents and young adults

Making cities mental health friendly for adolescents and young adults

Air quality and mental health: evidence, challenges and future directions

A mixed methods analysis of youth mental health intervention feasibility and acceptability in a North American city: Perspectives from Seattle, Washington

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