Associations between neighbourhood social cohesion and stress with mental health in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)

Project Summary

Neighbourhood social cohesion is a modifiable social characteristic that previous research has demonstrated is positively associated with better mental health outcomes. In contrast, many types of stress are associated with worse mental health. This research will investigate how neighbourhood social cohesion can change the effects of stressful events on mental health outcomes among Canadian adults. Multiple recent stressors (e.g. medical conditions, abuse, major life events) and mental health outcomes (e.g. depression, psychological distress, positive mental health) will be included to determine if higher levels of neighbourhood social cohesion are broadly protective or if it only offers protective effects for specific stressors. Understanding the role of neighbourhood social cohesion in the relationship between stress and mental health can inform public health community functioning interventions, ultimately leading to healthier and more resilient populations.