People living in Stockholm neighborhoods where they feel safe and supported have a lower risk of developing psychotic disorders and bipolar disorder, but this protective effect is evident only among individuals of Swedish or European origin. This is according to a recent study published in Nature Mental Health by researchers from University College London (UCL) and Karolinska Institutet.
Conversely, the study found that individuals of African or Middle Eastern origin face an increased risk of psychosis in these same high-trust neighborhoods. The research examined how various forms of social capital in residential areas impact the risk of developing serious mental illnesses, such as psychosis and bipolar disorder. The study’s findings are based on data from over 1.4 million people born in Sweden and residing in Stockholm County, tracked over a period of up to 15 years.
Understanding Social Capital and Mental Health
The researchers focused on three types of social capital: political trust, welfare trust, and personal trust, which encompasses the experience of being able to get help when needed and feeling safe in one’s neighborhood. The results revealed that higher levels of personal trust in the neighborhood were linked to either a reduced or increased risk of developing psychotic disorders and bipolar disorder without psychosis, contingent upon the individual’s origin.
For residents with Swedish or European parentage, high personal trust appeared to have a protective effect. In contrast, the opposite effect was observed among residents with parents from Africa and the Middle East. This discrepancy may be attributed to who experiences trust within the neighborhood.
Expert Insights and Implications
Lead author Professor James Kirkbride from UCL’s Division of Psychiatry explained,
“The levels of personal trust measured in the study were based primarily on responses from people with Swedish-born parents. This means that people from different backgrounds may not have the same experiences or access to social networks that foster safety and trust.”
Co-author Dr. Anna-Clara Hollander of Karolinska Institutet added,
“Our results indicate that high personal trust in the residential area does not automatically benefit everyone. To promote mental health among the entire population, we need to create inclusive environments for everyone.”
The researchers emphasized that these findings should not be interpreted as a causal relationship but rather as crucial insights into how social factors influence mental health. The study also highlighted that political and welfare-related trust showed no clear connection to mental illness.
Historical Context and Broader Implications
Previous research has consistently shown that foreign-born individuals residing in Sweden and other high-income countries have a heightened risk of developing psychosis, schizophrenia, and other psychotic disorders. Additionally, there is evidence suggesting that the risk decreases among those living in areas with a high concentration of individuals from the same country of origin.
Professor Kirkbride further noted,
“Population interventions that aim to improve neighborhood cohesiveness could be effective in protecting against severe mental illnesses, but these need to be created sensitively and equitably to ensure that all groups can benefit from positive social resources and connections in a community.”
Looking Ahead: Policy and Community Interventions
This study, conducted in collaboration with Region Stockholm, was funded by the Swedish Research Council, Forte, Wellcome, and the Royal Society, among others. It underscores the importance of tailoring mental health interventions to account for the diverse experiences of different demographic groups within urban settings.
As policymakers and community leaders consider strategies to enhance mental health outcomes, the findings suggest a need for inclusive and culturally sensitive approaches. By fostering environments where all residents can experience a sense of safety and trust, communities may better support the mental well-being of their diverse populations.
Moving forward, further research is needed to explore the mechanisms behind these disparities and to develop targeted interventions that address the unique needs of various ethnic groups within high-trust neighborhoods.
