The Impact of Individual- and Neighborhood-Level Social Connectedness on Mental Health in Black Adults

Yale University, New Haven CT

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Abstract

Socio-structural and environmental stressors such as persistent poverty are well-documented predictors of poor mental health among American adults. Social connectedness is directly associated with improved mental health and buffers the negative impact of several health risk factors, such as social isolation. Yet, research on social connectedness and mental health among many groups of adults from low-income groups remains limited. This paucity of work reflects a critical gap in knowledge regarding a psychosocial protective factor that may be salient to reducing poor mental health outcomes among adults. To address this gap, we will use quantitative data from adults in Milwaukee, WI, who participated in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study (n=1489 combined across waves) and collect qualitative data from adults to contextualize the quantitative findings and develop potential intervention strategies. Specifically, we will develop and assess the measurement properties of a multidimensional social connectedness indicator constructed from existing items assessed in MIDUS (e.g., social integration, religious/church-based social support, and social cohesion) (AIM 1a). Then we will test the associations between neighborhood- and individual-level social connectedness with three mental health outcomes (e.g., Kessler-6 psychological distress, MASQ general distress-depressive symptoms, and DSM-III-R major depression) (AIM 1b). To better understand how social connectedness influences mental health, we will estimate the degree to which social isolation and loneliness mediate the association between social connectedness and mental health (AIM 2). Lastly, in partnership with community stakeholders, we will conduct focus groups to contextualize the quantitative findings and use the first two steps of 6SQuID model to develop potential intervention strategies and targets to address persistent mental health challenges among midlife adults (AIM 3). Impact: Investigating the mechanisms undergirding the associations between multidimensional social connectedness and mental health is an important step toward advancing the overall health of Americans. These study findings will provide strong evidence to inform community-based interventions to modify and leverage social connectedness as part of a larger strategy to improve health among Americans and catapult interventions to build and strengthen social connectedness in America.