Assistant Professor Texas Tech University Lubbock, Texas, United States
Overview: This study aims to synthesize the most recent literature about the relationship between neighborhood stressors and depressive symptoms for better social work education and practice. A total of 40 empirical studies were determined to be relevant and then included in this review.Proposal text: This study aims to synthesize the most recent literature about the relationship between neighborhood stressors and depressive symptoms. An update on previous knowledge is necessary as there has been a recent peak in interest on this topic and more research has been developed. A total of 40 empirical studies were determined to be relevant and then included in this review. The majority of studies included in this review worked with adults as their population with a few studies using adolescents or adolescents and their parents. The majority of studies used the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale. Neighborhood-level socioeconomic status was found to be the most prevalent in portraying depressive symptoms. To alter the occurrence of depressive symptoms, neighborhoods may benefit from addressing poverty, investing in violence prevention, targeting and reducing other neighborhood stressors, and increasing social support. Perception and cultural factors must also be addressed for specific needs in neighborhoods. After the review, characteristics of neighborhoods are shown to be especially relevant in the study of depressive symptoms, they are exceptionally important for older adults. These predictors that were shown to be related to depressive symptoms include sociodemographic features, provision of social services, educational attainment, and unstable housing. Regarding these neighborhood predictors, the potential for the reduction of depressive symptoms can be seen in (a) assessing and addressing poverty, (b) investing in violence prevention and other related programs, (c) lowering neighborhood stressors, and (d) increasing social support. However, those who live in disadvantaged neighborhoods often feel their depressive symptoms as routine and do not seek or have access to professional assistance. Therefore, they may identify these symptoms as regular and not realize the need to reduce depressive symptoms in neighborhoods. In addition, links between cultural barriers (e.g., body language, gestures, and values) and the portrayal of depressive symptoms can be seen. For instance, the social, environmental, and economic context of a country could affect the associations between neighborhood stressors and depressive symptoms as different countries show interest in different values and morals. Furthermore, an individual’s perception of their neighborhood may be related to their cultural aspects, which leads back to potential varying recognition of depressive symptoms.