Neighborhood Context and Mental Health

Abstract

In this chapter, we provide a critical overview of research concerning the association between neighborhood context and mental health. Along the way, we address several fundamental questions. What is neighborhood context, and how is it measured and analyzed? What is the nature and extent of the association between neighborhood context and mental health? Why might neighborhood context contribute to mental health? Are certain groups of people more or less vulnerable to the psychological consequences of neighborhood context? To answer these questions, we describe common indicators of neighborhood context, note typical methods of analysis, summarize associations with a range of mental health outcomes, and discuss several viable mediation and moderation processes. Our primary mediation model suggests that the subjective neighborhood experience is essential to understanding the link between neighborhood context and mental health. We conclude by highlighting several important avenues for future research.