Depression, anxiety are higher in these parts of the US: study

mental health

To Mark Laranilla

March 14, 2023 | 7:26 PM

Imagine the bliss of country living. Imagine how fresh air, chirping birds and flowery meadows would be the ideal break from the stress of city life.

Not so fast, researchers say: rural area People tend to be more depressed, anxious, and nervous than city dwellers, according to new research.

Olivia Atherton, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Houston, looked at data from two large existing studies. US middle age and the Health and Retirement Research.

In her research, Atherton identified what experts call the “Big Five” personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism) and psychological well-being and life satisfaction. Considered other characteristics of

Americans living in rural areas were found to have lower levels of openness (such as curiosity and creative imagination) and conscientiousness (such as responsible productivity).

Urban dwellers also have a reputation for being neurotic, while rates of neuroticism (including anxiety and depression) are higher among those living in rural areas.

the study, Published in Journal of Personalityacknowledged that more open and conscientious people may choose to migrate to cities to take advantage of urban cultural comforts and employment opportunities.

Furthermore, the authors noted that socioeconomic factors, such as the lack of quality public schools in rural areas, can lead to increased unhappiness.

Atherton and her research team believe that at least some of these findings may be the result of access, or lack thereof, to health care. Since 2010, a surge in rural hospital closures has displaced many healthcare providers who previously served these areas.

And while mental health professionals are relatively easy to find in urban areas, rural residents want more access to services, but nearly 85% of U.S. rural counties There is a shortage of such experts.

“Given the far-reaching impact of rural health disparities on individuals, families and communities, there is an urgent need to improve the health of rural Americans,” Atherton said in a news release.