“The study, to be published Aug. 3 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal, draws on mathematical models and multiple datasets to try to gauge how city size and the “built environment,’’ like structures and roads, influence depression. It turns out that the casual social interactions that big cities force upon us — even the occasionally cold or callous ones — help buffer against mental health strain. Fast-walking pedestrians are, after all, at least seeing other people. Smaller cities, with less hubbub, may not offer as many benefits in fighting depression.”
UChicago News: “How do cities impact mental health? A new study finds lower rates of depression”
