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A new study has unveiled that people who undergo multiple moves before the age of 15 are more likely to be diagnosed with depression later in life. The research, featured in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, examined the residential history of nearly 1.1 million individuals born in Denmark between 1981 and 2001, tracking them into adulthood. Surprisingly, at least 35,000 of these individuals later received a diagnosis of depression.
The study not only confirmed existing evidence linking childhood residence in deprived neighborhoods to adult depression but also shed light on the impact of frequent moves during childhood. In fact, children who relocate once between the ages of 10 and 15 face a 41% increased risk of depression compared to their non-moving counterparts. If a child moves two or more times during the same period, the risk spikes to approximately 61%, surpassing the effect of growing up in a deprived area.
These findings lead researchers to propose that a stable home environment during childhood, in terms of location, may offer protection against future mental health issues. The study, conducted by researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark, the University of Plymouth, and the University of Manchester in the UK, was led by Professor Clive Sabel, an expert in Big Data and Spatial Science.
Professor Sabel explains, “We know several factors contribute to the development of mental illness, and our research suggests that moving to a new neighborhood during childhood is one of them. Each relocation disrupts a child’s social networks built through school, sports groups, or other activities, potentially posing challenges that need to be addressed.”
Mental health conditions affect a significant portion of the global population, with estimates indicating up to 13% of individuals experiencing some form of mental illness. The economic burden of mental health issues is projected to reach $6 trillion by 2030, underlining the urgency for effective interventions.
While the causes of mental health conditions are multifaceted, with influences from biology, socioeconomy, and psychology, mounting evidence suggests a link between individuals’ environments and mental well-being. Studies worldwide have revealed that frequent moves during childhood can lead to adverse outcomes such as attempted suicide, criminal behavior, substance misuse, and mental illness.
Although the study focused on the Danish population, the researchers believe similar patterns may be observed in other regions globally. Professor Sabel stresses the need for global policies supporting stable childhoods while accommodating regional and cultural diversities. Special attention should be given to vulnerable groups such as children in foster care or military families, who often experience multiple relocations, increasing their susceptibility to mental health challenges.
