Neighbourhood identification buffers the effects of (de-)gentrification and personal socioeconomic position on mental health

Abstract

Previous studies have suggested that the effects of gentrification on long-term residents' mental health depends upon individual socioeconomic position. However, the role of social psychological moderators of these effects remains unexplored. Drawing on the social identity approach to health, we examine whether social identification with the neighbourhood can be protective of mental health for residents in the context of (de-)gentrification. Using multi-level modelling in a longitudinal Australian sample (N = 8376), we show that neighbourhood identification protects the mental health of residents who live in neighbourhoods that undergo positive or negative neighbourhood socioeconomic status change.