Big cities, small towns and adolescent mental health in New Zealand.
We examined the relationship between measures of mental health and residential locations with differing population densities in a large sample of New Zealand adolescents. There were no significant differences across residential locations in the prevalence of DSM-III disorders, poor social competence and level of help-seeking behaviours. However, adolescents from larger population centres reported more life event stresses. Those adolescents who experienced more frequent changes of residence were at risk for mental health problems.
McGee
R
R
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Medical School, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Stanton
W
W
Feehan
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D011203:Poverty / Q000523:psychology; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012931:Social Environment; D014505:Urban Population