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Description
Authors: Kathryn Mills-Webb (University of Manchester), Emma Thornton (University of Manchester), Michael Wigelsworth (University of Manchester), Neil Humphrey (The University of Manchester)
Background: This paper shares preliminary findings from a scoping review exploring what is known about the influence of school and neighbourhood environments on adolescent mental health and wellbeing. Framed within a social determinants of health model, this review investigates how social, cultural, economic, and physical conditions shape mental health outcomes and drive inequalities. While existing evidence demonstrates the impact of certain aspects of the school and neighbourhood environments, most research has focused on psychopathology. Few studies address the full mental health continuum or consider the interdependence of different environments. These knowledge gaps hinder the development of effective strategies to prevent mental health difficulties and promote wellbeing.
Methods: This review follows Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. The protocol is registered on the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/3sxm8/). Six databases spanning education, psychology, public health, and healthcare were searched in April 2024: ERIC, Education Database, PsycINFO, Web of Science, PubMed, and Global Health. Title and abstract screening is complete. Full-text screening and data extraction is underway. Extracted data will include environmental context, mental health and wellbeing variables, study design, level of analysis, key findings, and causal pathways tested.
Results: 52,246 records were retrieved, with 27,177 duplicates removed, leaving 25,069 studies for title and abstract screening. Of these, 1,696 are undergoing full text review. Data extraction and analysis will follow. Findings will map evidence – and gaps - about school and neighbourhood factors associated with mental health and wellbeing and their relative influence.
Discussion: This review will generate insights to inform prevention efforts targeting the environments where adolescents live and learn, supporting the development of evidence-based, intersectoral policies to prevent mental health difficulties and promote wellbeing. This aligns with government priorities around the world to address health inequalities arising from social determinants. By identifying gaps in the evidence base, the review will also guide future research priorities.
| Conflict of interest | None |
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