Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
3.2
1.7
Journals
Social Sciences
Special Issues
Social Networks and Mental Health
share announcement

Social Networks and Mental Health

A special issue of Social Sciences (ISSN 2076-0760).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2017) | Viewed by 48129

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Brea L. Perry

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Sociology and Indiana University Network Science Institute, Indiana University Bloomington, 1020 Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
Interests: social networks; medical sociology; biosociology and genetics; mental health and illness; quantitative methods; social inequalities

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Well over a century ago, Emile Durkheim (1897) attributed patterns of suicide in Europe to levels of social integration, or being bound to social groups. This research gave rise to the social network perspective, which embeds individuals and their decisions, behaviors, and health outcomes in social structures formed through webs of personal community and organizational ties. Given the early roots of network science in mental health research, it is useful to take stock of contemporary contributions at the intersection of these subfields. This Special Issue of Social Sciences explores reciprocal and dynamic relationships between social networks and mental health. Overwhelming evidence supports a social causation model, where social networks influence the development, course, or outcomes of mental health and substance use disorders. What do we know about social, psychological, or biological mechanisms underlying social causation? Likewise, how do lay or professional networks influence help-seeking or experiences in treatment? At the same time, the onset of an episode of mental illness or changes in mental health status can shape relationships and social networks in meaningful ways. How do personal social networks respond—either positively or negatively—to mental illness, and what independent consequences does network activation, growth, or decline have for recovery or quality of life? Why do networks evolve in response to changes in mental health status, and what factors moderate the nature or magnitude of these network dynamics? Finally, how do relationships between social networks and mental health relate to broader trends in diagnosis and medicalization, mental health services or professions, or social, economic, or health policies? The goal of this Special Issue on “Social Networks and Mental Health” is to highlight new and exciting research on these critically important issues.

Prof. Brea L. Perry
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All papers will be peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Social Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Social networks
  • Social capital
  • Psychological distress
  • Mental illness
  • Mental health
  • Psychiatric disorder

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

1145 KiB  
Article
Social Support Networks and the Mental Health of Runaway and Homeless Youth
by Eric R. Wright, Brandon K. Attell and Erin Ruel
Soc. Sci. 2017, 6(4), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci6040117 - 29 Sep 2017
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 9680
Abstract
In response to growing concerns about the rising number of runaway and homeless youth (RHY) in the U.S., researchers have sought to improve the scientific understanding of health and mental health needs, as well as the social resources available to these youths. In [...] Read more.
In response to growing concerns about the rising number of runaway and homeless youth (RHY) in the U.S., researchers have sought to improve the scientific understanding of health and mental health needs, as well as the social resources available to these youths. In this paper, we examine the relationship between personal support network resources and the mental health status of a sample of RHY (N = 693) surveyed in metro-Atlanta, Georgia. The results suggest that having more supportive network ties reduces the risk of youth experiencing significant symptoms of a severe mental illness. We also find that older youth and youth who have been homeless for six months or longer have fewer personal support network resources. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of our findings for future research and services for this exceptionally vulnerable population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Networks and Mental Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

600 KiB  
Article
Disadvantaged Status and Health Matters Networks among Low-Income African American Women
by Erin Pullen and Carrie Oser
Soc. Sci. 2017, 6(3), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci6030108 - 09 Sep 2017
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3757 | Correction
Abstract
A significant gap in current network research relates to understanding the factors that shape the health matters (HM) networks of marginalized, socially disadvantaged populations. This is noteworthy, given that these networks represent a critical resource for mitigating the adverse health effects of both [...] Read more.
A significant gap in current network research relates to understanding the factors that shape the health matters (HM) networks of marginalized, socially disadvantaged populations. This is noteworthy, given that these networks represent a critical resource for mitigating the adverse health effects of both acute and chronic strains associated with marginalized status. Further, research has suggested that the networks of such populations—especially low-income African American women—are unique, and may operate in substantively different ways than those of other groups. Using two waves of data from a sample of low-income African American women, this research identifies the demographic, health status, and health behavior measures at time one that correspond to HM network characteristics at time two, six months later. This study offers preliminary insights on the relationship between key sociodemographic and health status characteristics of low-income African American women and their HM networks, including criminal justice involvement. Findings reveal that though poorer health status and criminal justice involvement correspond to smaller health matters networks, they also correspond to more active and supportive networks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Networks and Mental Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

251 KiB  
Article
Who Can I Turn To? Emotional Support Availability in African American Social Networks
by Sula Hood, Elizabeth Golembiewski, Kyle Benbow, Hadyatoullaye Sow and Vetta Sanders Thompson
Soc. Sci. 2017, 6(3), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci6030104 - 02 Sep 2017
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5323
Abstract
African Americans disproportionately experience psychological distress, such as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness and are disproportionately exposed to risk factors associated with mental illness, such as racial discrimination, violence and poverty. To effectively address African Americans’ mental health needs, it is imperative [...] Read more.
African Americans disproportionately experience psychological distress, such as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness and are disproportionately exposed to risk factors associated with mental illness, such as racial discrimination, violence and poverty. To effectively address African Americans’ mental health needs, it is imperative to identify who African Americans turn to when they experience stressors. The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which emotional support is provided within African Americans’ social networks and determine the characteristics of social network members who African Americans rely upon for emotional support. Results indicate that African Americans rely on social network members for spiritual and physical health support more so than emotional support. Among both male and female participants, social network members were significantly more likely to be relied upon for emotional support if they were a non-familial network contact, had a close relationship to the participant, and if they also were someone the participant spoke to about his or her physical health. Findings have implications for the development of culturally-sensitive strategies for increasing emotional support provision within African Americans’ social networks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Networks and Mental Health)
626 KiB  
Article
Social Network Decay as Potential Recovery from Homelessness: A Mixed Methods Study in Housing First Programming
by Elizabeth Golembiewski, Dennis P. Watson, Lisa Robison and John W. Coberg II
Soc. Sci. 2017, 6(3), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci6030096 - 23 Aug 2017
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6596
Abstract
The positive relationship between social support and mental health has been well documented, but individuals experiencing chronic homelessness face serious disruptions to their social networks. Housing First (HF) programming has been shown to improve health and stability of formerly chronically homeless individuals. However, [...] Read more.
The positive relationship between social support and mental health has been well documented, but individuals experiencing chronic homelessness face serious disruptions to their social networks. Housing First (HF) programming has been shown to improve health and stability of formerly chronically homeless individuals. However, researchers are only just starting to understand the impact HF has on residents’ individual social integration. The purpose of the current study was to describe and understand changes in social networks of residents living in a HF program. Researchers employed a longitudinal, convergent parallel mixed method design, collecting quantitative social network data through structured interviews (n = 13) and qualitative data through semi-structured interviews (n = 20). Quantitative results demonstrated a reduction in network size over the course of one year. However, increases in both network density and frequency of contact with network members increased. Qualitative interviews demonstrated a strengthening in the quality of relationships with family and housing providers and a shedding of burdensome and abusive relationships. These results suggest network decay is a possible indicator of participants’ recovery process as they discontinued negative relationships and strengthened positive ones. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Networks and Mental Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

307 KiB  
Article
Family Networks and Psychological Well-Being in Midlife
by Megan Gilligan, J. Jill Suitor, Sangbo Nam, Brianna Routh, Marissa Rurka and Gulcin Con
Soc. Sci. 2017, 6(3), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci6030094 - 19 Aug 2017
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 10855
Abstract
Scholarship has highlighted the importance of kin relations for well-being in adulthood. Much focus has been on relationships between spouses and between parents and children. However, limited research has explored the role of adult sibling relationships in well-being, and no studies have made [...] Read more.
Scholarship has highlighted the importance of kin relations for well-being in adulthood. Much focus has been on relationships between spouses and between parents and children. However, limited research has explored the role of adult sibling relationships in well-being, and no studies have made direct comparisons among the effects of tension with these multiple family members. Using data collected from 495 adult children nested within 254 families, we examined the differential impact of tension with mothers, siblings, and spouses on depressive symptoms in midlife. Separate multi-level regression analyses showed that tension with spouses, mothers, and siblings each predicted depressive symptoms. Combined analyses revealed that greater tension with spouses was associated with higher depressive symptoms, but tension with mothers and siblings was not. However, Wald tests comparing the strength of these associations between tension and depressive symptoms indicated that these associations did not significantly vary across family members. Interactions with gender indicated that tension with mothers was more strongly associated with higher depressive symptoms for women than men. These findings highlight the importance of the quality of relationships with family members on individuals’ psychological well-being, and call for researchers to consider multiple ties and gender when examining family relationships and well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Networks and Mental Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

590 KiB  
Article
“Strength of Weak Ties,” Neighborhood Ethnic Heterogeneity, and Depressive Symptoms among Adults: A Multilevel Analysis of Korean General Social Survey (KGSS) 2012
by Harris Hyun-soo Kim
Soc. Sci. 2017, 6(2), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci6020065 - 20 Jun 2017
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4747
Abstract
A substantial body of research, based largely on North American and European contexts, demonstrates that social networks play a critical role in protecting and promoting mental, as well as physical, health. The purpose of this study is to examine how “weak” and “strong” [...] Read more.
A substantial body of research, based largely on North American and European contexts, demonstrates that social networks play a critical role in protecting and promoting mental, as well as physical, health. The purpose of this study is to examine how “weak” and “strong” network relations are differentially related to individual mental health (depressive symptoms) based on a nationally representative sample of South Korean adults. Using multilevel analysis, the current research also investigates the extent to which contextual or neighborhood-level factors moderate the associations between depression and social network. Findings show that regular interaction with weaker ties (acquaintances, neighbors, coworkers, etc.) are associated with better mental health. The number of strong ties (family members and friends), on the other hand, is not a significant predictor of psychological distress. In addition, a cross-level interaction term is observed: The negative relationship between weak ties and depressive symptoms is diminished in neighborhoods with more foreign-born residents or immigrants. General implications beyond the empirical case under investigation are discussed, as to why weak ties can be “strong” in relation to mental health and how this phenomenon can vary according to residential characteristics such as ethnic heterogeneity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Networks and Mental Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

1199 KiB  
Article
Depression Risks and Correlates among Different Generations of Chinese Americans: The Effects of Relationships with Friends and Relatives
by Lin Zhu
Soc. Sci. 2017, 6(2), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci6020056 - 03 Jun 2017
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5635
Abstract
An increasing body of literature has suggested that the public portrayal of Chinese Americans as a high-achieving, well-adjusting “model minority” might not reflect the entire reality of their mental health conditions. This study examined depression risks and correlates among different generations of Chinese [...] Read more.
An increasing body of literature has suggested that the public portrayal of Chinese Americans as a high-achieving, well-adjusting “model minority” might not reflect the entire reality of their mental health conditions. This study examined depression risks and correlates among different generations of Chinese Americans, using non-Hispanic whites as a comparison group. A nationally representative sample of Chinese Americans (n = 600) from the Comprehensive Psychiatric Epidemiological Survey was used. Results of the study indicate that Chinese Americans in general have a lower risk of depression than non-Hispanic whites. Moreover, the prevalence and correlates of depression do not show a linear trend of difference from first to second to third-or-higher generation Chinese Americans, and then to non-Hispanic whites; rather, the risk of depression and its association with social relational factors presents in distinctive patterns for first and second generation Chinese Americans, compared to third-or-higher generation Chinese Americans and non-Hispanic whites. Specifically, friend network and relative group play different roles in influencing depression for different generations of Chinese Americans. The findings contributed to the growing body of literature on acculturation and mental health among immigrants, shedding lights on the complicated sociocultural contexts that could influence the mental well-being of individuals. Mental health service providers need to be aware of the complex and nuanced association between social relational factors and depression in their prevention, management, and treatment efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Networks and Mental Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-7
Back to TopTop