Page 58 - IJPS-9-1

International Journal of
Population Studies Neighborhood social cohesion and self-reported depression

into the resilience and post-migration protective factors link between NSC and mental health outcomes for Irish
of this community (Moore et al., 2018). In this article, we migrants. A range of studies have highlighted differences
draw on a community-based participatory action research in terms of migratory experiences and health outcomes
(CBPAR) project which aimed to explore the health needs across age cohorts of Irish migrants. For example, Delaney
and resources of Irish migrants to London (Moore et et al. (2013) found that Irish migrants to the UK born
al., 2018). Neighborhood cohesion was identified as an between 1920 and 1960 experienced a substantial health
important health facilitator by a migrant advisory group in penalty, which may be partly a result of pre-migration
the design stage of this project. In this paper, we examine experiences. Similarly, studies in the United States (US)
the main effects of neighborhood social cohesion (NSC) found that the age of migration may influence social
on the self-reported depression (SRD) of Irish migrants integration and mental health outcomes (Jang et al., 2022).
and how these effects are modified by age. As a result, alongside the direct influences of NSC on self-
report depression of Irish migrants, we examine how these
1.1. Neighborhood social cohesion effects differ by age.
While a variety of definitions exist, NSC can be defined
as the extent of connectedness and solidarity among 2. Data and methods
groups in neighborhood and consists of (i) the absence of 2.1. Data sources
latent social conflict and (ii) the presence of strong social
bonds and connections in neighborhood settings (Holmes Data come from a CBPAR study conducted with the
and Marcelli, 2020; Kim et al., 2016). Social bonds and Irish community in London (for more detail, see Moore
support may protect from loneliness, provide emotional, et al., 2018). The study employed a non-proportionate
information, and tangible support and it may also transmit purposeful sampling strategy targeting Irish people in
positive health behaviors and disseminate mental health London. Participants were recruited through Irish-specific
promoting information (Oberndorfer et al., 2022). newspapers, social media networks, and a wide range
Researchers assert that this mechanism is not frequently of Irish and non-Irish community-based organizations
or adequately reported in the research literature (Zhang (CBOs). The previous analysis showed that the majority
et al., 2021) and few studies have scientifically examined of the sample resided in central London boroughs, similar
this relationship within specific migrant populations to previous census data and other migrant communities
(Holmes and Marcelli, 2020). While neighborhood safety (Moore et al., 2018). Data were collected through an online
is widely linked to improved health, studies with migrant survey and in CBOs across London by trained volunteer
communities have been mixed and some have found researchers. All participants provided informed consent,
that this relationship may be modified by individual and ethical clearance for the original study was obtained
characteristics (Chen & Chen, 2015). from the Middlesex University Research Ethics Committee.
1.2. Irish communities in the United Kingdom 2.2. Measures
Studies show high rates of depression and other mental SRD was measured using a single-item question (Yes/No).
health difficulties among Irish migrants in England over Studies have found that single-item self-report methods
several decades (Delaney et al., 2013). Second-generation can be used to identify depression with a good degree of
Irish migrants also experience high levels of psychological confidence (Turon et al., 2019). “Yes” responses have ranged
morbidity (Delaney et al., 2013). Ireland’s geographical from 8.1% to 11.2% in population studies (Block et al., 2014).
proximity to Britain and the shared language reduce We define social cohesion as the presence of strong social
barriers to movement and this may result in a negative bonds and connections and safety and security (Holmes
selection bias. Studies have explored a range of social and Marcelli, 2020; Kim et al., 2016). Drawing on this
resettlement factors, such as discrimination (Hickman & definition, our CBPAR project measured both perceived
Walter, 1997), identity loss and belonging. Fewer studies neighborhood safety (PNS) and perceived neighbor social
have explored how social cohesion might promote mental support (PSS). PSS was measured using the Oslo 3-item
health and well-being for this established community. Ryan social support scale (OSSS-3). The OSSS-3 has been
et al. (2006) found that low levels of social support were widely used and found to be a reliable and valid measure
associated with increased depression, and recent studies of functional social support and focuses on neighborhood
have indicated that social support may buffer against settings (Bøen et al., 2012). The OSSS-3 covers three
the negative effects of unfair treatment (Moore et al., domains: (i) Number of people that respondents feel able
2018). Despite these advances, there remain significant to rely on if they have a serious problem, (ii) practical
gaps in our knowledge, and no study has explored the help from neighbors, and (iii) the interest and concern

Volume 9 Issue 1 (2023) 52 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.431