A study of over a million Danes revealed that people who relocated more than once between ages 10 and 15 were 61% more likely to experience depression as adults. This factor holds even greater influence than poverty.
Mental health disorders are on the rise globally. In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 13% of the world’s population lived with mental disorders. The economic burden of these disorders is substantial, reaching a cost of 2.5 trillion dollars in 2010 (including treatment costs and reduced productivity). This cost is projected to skyrocket to 6 trillion dollars by 2030, surpassing the combined costs of cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases.
Based on these observations, five researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark, the University of Plymouth, and the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom conducted a study examining the causes and events that contribute to depression development. They followed all individuals born in Denmark between 1982 and 2003 who resided in the country during the first fifteen years of their lives, comprising over a million individuals. Among them, 35,098 (approximately 2.3%) received a depression diagnosis from a psychiatric hospital, with 67.6% being women.
Unexpected results
The results of this study, published on July 17 in the scientific journal JAMA Psychiatry and reported by the New York Times, revealed a finding that the researchers themselves deemed unexpected. They discovered that an individual was 61 percent more likely to develop depression if they moved twice or more between the ages of 10 and 15 compared to those who remained in the same location. Children who moved once by that age were 41 percent more likely to be diagnosed than those who did not move.
The research also found, unsurprisingly, that individuals who grew up in significantly impoverished neighborhoods were 10% more likely to be diagnosed with depression in adulthood. The likelihood of developing depressive disorders increased by 2% for each decrease in income level (four quartiles of parental income were included in the study).
Also read: One in six children has a mental health disorder in France
However, moving from a disadvantaged neighborhood to a more affluent one does not reduce the risk of developing depression; in fact, it increases it. Young people who relocated from a poor neighborhood to a wealthier one had a 13% higher risk of experiencing depression compared to their counterparts who did not move. Individuals who moved from a wealthy neighborhood to a poorer one exhibited an 18% higher risk of experiencing psychological disorders than those who stayed in the same location.
The Importance of Social Capital
Researchers explain that the move itself is not traumatic, “but rather the change of neighborhood”. For them, “A fixed place of residence during childhood can be an indicator of a stable family or of a stronger rooting of individuals and families in their neighborhood,” which fosters a sense of belonging and connection, collectively referred to as social capital. During these crucial formative years, “children make their social connections at school, in sports groups or in other activities”.
“Any time they have to adapt to something new, it can be disruptive.” add the researchers, who aspire to find ways to assist young people “to overcome this challenge”. They further add that certain groups of young people are particularly vulnerable, such as foster children who must move regularly and children of military personnel, who relocate based on their parents’ deployment locations. Another question deserving investigation according to the scientific team is whether the distance of a move during childhood results in a difference in depression in adulthood. “Is moving to a closer neighborhood the same as moving across the country?” asks Professor Clive Sabel.
At present, it remains uncertain if these Danish findings apply to other populations, particularly Americans, whose geographical mobility is high. They tend to move more frequently and over longer distances, as the New York Times reports. The U.S. Census on Intra-Country Immigration estimates that the average American can expect to relocate 11.7 times in their lifetime. In most European countries, mobility is a fraction of this figure.
Moving During Childhood and the Increased Risk of Depression
Mental health disorders are a growing concern globally, with a significant impact on individuals and economies. A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry sheds light on a surprising factor that can contribute to the development of depression in adulthood: moving during childhood.
Moving and Depression: A Danish Study
Researchers from the University of Aarhus in Denmark and universities in the United Kingdom followed over a million individuals born in Denmark between 1982 and 2003. They discovered a stark correlation between moving during childhood and the likelihood of experiencing depression in adulthood.
- Multiple Moves: Individuals who moved more than twice between the ages of 10 and 15 were 61% more likely to be diagnosed with depression as adults.
- Single Move: Those who moved once during this period were 41% more likely to experience depression compared to those who stayed in the same place.
These findings are even more striking when compared to other risk factors, including poverty. While children raised in deprived neighborhoods face a 10% higher risk of depression, moving during this critical developmental period carries a much greater weight.
The Importance of Social Capital
The study highlights the importance of social capital, the sense of belonging and connection fostered within stable communities. Researchers emphasize that the issue is not the act of moving itself, but the disruption to social networks and the challenges of adapting to new environments during a crucial period of social development.
Children establish their social connections during this time through school, sports, and other activities. Each move requires them to rebuild these networks, potentially disrupting their sense of belonging and stability.
Specific Groups at Risk
The study also points to specific groups of young people who face heightened risks due to frequent moves:
- Foster children: Regular moves are inherent to the foster care system, making them particularly susceptible to these negative effects.
- Children of military personnel: The nature of their parents’ work often necessitates frequent relocations, potentially impacting their social and emotional well-being.
Further Research Needed
While the Danish study offers valuable insights, further research is needed to fully understand the interplay between moving, social capital, and mental health.
- Distance of Move: Investigating the impact of varying distances moved might provide further clarity on the role of geographical change.
- Cultural and Societal Differences: Exploring how these findings apply to other populations, particularly those with higher rates of mobility, is essential.
Potential Implications for Policy and Practice
The study’s findings have significant implications for policymakers and those working in child welfare:
- Increased Support for Mobile Children: Developing strategies to support children who move frequently, such as dedicated social services and programs facilitated by schools and communities.
- Emphasis on Building Social Capital: Implementing programs that foster a sense of belonging and connection in schools and communities, particularly for children who move regularly.
Navigating Childhood Mobility
While moving during childhood can present challenges, it’s crucial to remember that each child’s experience is unique. Parents and caregivers can play an active role in mitigating negative impacts:
- Open Communication: Encourage open communication regarding feelings and anxieties associated with moving.
- Building New Connections: Actively help children connect with new friends and activities in their new environments.
- Maintaining Established Connections: Facilitate continued contact with friends and family they’ve left behind through technology and visits.
Understanding the potential impact of childhood mobility on mental health is a crucial step in promoting well-being and supporting children during this critical developmental period.
