Social capital and depressive symptoms in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966

Depression is one of the most common mental health problems worldwide and affects people across all age groups. Studies have shown that even if the frequency or severity of symptoms does not exceed the diagnostic criteria for depression, depressive symptoms can still be associated with negative health outcomes comparable to clinical depression.

The association between social capital and depression in complex. Some social capital dimensions, such as generalised trust, emotional support and sense of belonging, have been found to serve as protective factors against the onset of depression. Earlier studies have also argued that the association between depressive symptoms and social capital may be bidirectional or reciprocal.

The current study utilised that Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 to investigate the association between social capital and depressive symptoms. The sample consisted of over 4,000 participants who took part in the surveys conducted at ages 31 and 46. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between social capital and depressive symptoms, as well as the direction of the association.

The results indicated that social capital was associated with depressive symptoms. Specifically, cognitive social capital (emotional and instrumental support) was associated with depressive symptoms at follow-up. The association between depressive symptoms and social capital was also bidirectional.
The findings of the study support the bidirectional hypothesis. The results indicate that social capital is a meaningful determinant in the trajectory of depressive symptoms. Therefore, social capital should be considered in the treatment and prevention strategies of depression.