Marco Julian Serrano A recent study has found that children who relocate often during their early years have a higher chance of experiencing depression in their later years. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, delves into how childhood relocation impact mental health, suggesting that even a single move can have long term effects.
The research involved cooperation between Aarhus University in Denmark, the University of Plymouth, and the University of Manchester. They reviewed data from over one million Danish people born between 1982 and 2003. The findings include,
- Compared to children who did not relocate, children who moved once between ages 10 to 15 are 41% more likely to get a depression diagnosis in adulthood.
- Children who moved twice or more during these ages retained a 61% elevated risk for developing depression.
Claive Sabel, a professor at the University of Plymouth and primary author of the study explained, “We understand there are multiple variables leading to individuals getting diagnosed with mental illnesses. But this is the first indication moving neighbourhoods as a child also contributes. we suggest there could be many more undiscovered connections.”
Mental Health Impact from Moves
Moving causes disruption to children’s social networks which are essential factors for their growth such as friendships and membership in sports groups or community activities. These disruptions may contribute to serious mental health issues later on.
The impact on depression risk was found more significant by frequent moving than living in low income areas. According to Sabel ” Maintaining your residence – being a ‘stayer’– aids in preserving your health even if you’re from the most economically disadvantaged communities”
Levels of Risk by Comparison
Children in underprivileged neighbourhoods are 10% more prone to adulthood depression, but those repeatedly moving have a much higher risk. The research implies that ensuring a steady home atmosphere is vital for promoting mental health.
- A shift from a deprived neighbourhood to an affluent area doesn’t lessen the risk – it heightens the chances of depression by 13%
- Moving from an affluent neighbourhood even to a less privileged one increases the chances by 18%
Significant Repercussions for Policy and Parenthood
This research carries considerable implications for child welfare policies, especially concerning children in foster care or military families who usually move often. Sabel commented, “Youths in foster care often have multiple relocation and as such, could be exposed to additional stress. This study suggests extra support might be necessary to prevent them, along with other similar cases, from potentially developing mental illness much later.”
Sabel further advised parents on considering how these moves could impact their children’s future, emphasising that stability during childhood is crucial for maintaining mental wellness. Parents should evaluate possible beneficial balances against potential disruption while planning any moves.
Broad Consequences
This research may carry more weight in countries like the United States with high geographical mobility rates–an average American according to U.S. Census estimates move about 11.7 times throughout their lifespan compared to most European nations with fewer relocations.
Shigehiro Oishi, A University of Chicago Psychology Professor pointed out that within the U.S., there might be more negative effects due to wide differences between curriculums and teaching quality across different states. He praised this research as both “a landmark study” and “methodologically superior,” adding suggestions for future analysis exploring further causal mechanisms.
Final Words
This research emphasises how imperative stability during a child’s upbringing is – multiple relocations can disrupt essential social networks and boost depression risks later in life. Policymakers, parents, and mental healthcare professionals need to acknowledge the effects of childhood relocation and find helpful countermeasures.
Sabel’s final advice, “During those early years, kids form their social networks via school, sports groups among other activities”, he warns “Each new adaptation could cause disruptions, hence there might be a need to find newer methods assisting people overcome these hurdles”
