Recent research conducted by a consortium of institutions including the University of Helsinki sheds light on the transmission of mental disorders within school social networks. Analyzing data from over 700,000 Finnish ninth-graders, the study found a significant correlation between classmates’ mental health status and the risk of being diagnosed with similar conditions later in life.
Key Findings:
The study analyzed data from over 700,000 ninth-graders from 860 Finnish schools.
Classmates’ mental health status significantly influenced students’ future diagnoses.
The effect was most pronounced for mood, anxiety, and eating disorders.
The research, considered the largest and most comprehensive on this topic to date, followed adolescents from the end of ninth grade for approximately 11 years. Associate Professor Christian Hakulinen from the University of Helsinki noted that the observed link between classmates’ mental disorders and later diagnoses was most significant during the first year of follow-up. This association persisted even after accounting for various factors related to parents, school, and residential area.
The utilization of extensive Finnish registers enabled researchers to define social networks accurately and track adolescents over time. This approach offers valuable insights into the development and spread of mental health problems within social networks.
However, Hakulinen cautions that the observed connection does not necessarily imply causality. Moreover, the study did not delve into the mechanisms underlying the transmission of mental disorders between individuals. Hakulinen suggests that the normalization of diagnosis and treatment within social networks might contribute to the transmission of mental disorders, potentially leading to beneficial contagion.
Given the increasing prevalence of anxiety and mood symptoms among young people, preventive measures and early intervention are crucial. Approximately half of all mental disorders in adulthood manifest before the age of 18, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health issues during adolescence.
The findings underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to address mental health challenges within school communities, emphasizing prevention and early intervention as essential components in mitigating the impact of mental disorders on individuals and society as a whole.
