Social and Environmental Determinants of Occupation: Population-Level Analysis of Adolescent Mental Health

Abstract

Adolescents are experiencing unprecedented mental health challenges in the United States. This study investigated the relationships between social and environmental determinants of occupation (SEDO) and adolescent mental health at the population level. We quantitatively analyzed the National Cancer Institute’s Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating (FLASHE) specialty cohort study sample (aged 12–17 years, n = 1,737, April-October 2014). Ordinal logistic regression models tested associations between SEDO factors and adolescent mental health. Analyses showed significant associations between SEDO (insufficient sleep, food insecurity, and access to social support) and mental health proxies (eating without hunger due to feeling anxious/nervous, eating without hunger due to feeling sad/depressed). This study provides an understanding of adolescents as a population experiencing mental health disparities related to SEDO. More research is needed to identify additional occupational therapy intervention targets and strategies for addressing SEDO at the population level.

Plain Language Summary

How Sleep, Food, and Social Support Affect Teen Mental Health

Teenagers in the United States are facing more mental health struggles than ever before. This study looked at how certain social and environmental factors affect teens’ mental health. Researchers analyzed data from a national survey of 12- to 17-year-olds and found that lack of sleep, not having enough food, and limited social support were linked to signs of poor mental health. Specifically, teens who experienced these challenges were more likely to eat even when they weren’t hungry due to feeling anxious, nervous, sad, or depressed. The study highlights the need for more research on how these factors impact teens and how occupational therapy can help improve their well-being.