Depression is a significant threat to work ability and, at worst, a life-threatening illness. Recent studies have shown that physical activity may help decrease depressive symptoms. Furthermore, the importance of the residential environment for both mental health and movement behaviour has become increasingly evident, particularly in the context of accelerating urbanisation.

This doctoral thesis employed statistical methods to examine the associations between residential environment, physical activity and depressive symptoms. The study was based on cohort data from individuals born in Northern Finland in 1966 (n=5,860). The relationship between the residential environment and depressive symptoms was investigated on three spatial scales: globally, by comparing the prevalence of depression symptoms across countries; regionally, by examining how movement behaviour in rural and urban areas relates to the severity of depressive symptoms; and locally, by analysing how specific features of the residential environment and physical activity are associated with severity of depressive symptoms.

The findings highlight the importance of preserving green environments and adopting a holistic approach to movement behaviour in the promotion of mental health.

Subscribe