Abstract

Depression is a major public health issue worldwide, disproportionately affecting women and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. However, the influence of key social factors like neighborhood cohesion remains insufficiently explored in academic research. This study examines how neighborhood cohesion affects disparities in depressive symptoms among Chilean adults. Adopting a multidimensional framework, we conceptualize neighborhood cohesion through four components: neighborhood attachment, neighborhood relations, orientation toward the common good, and adherence to social norms. Using longitudinal survey data from 4975 observations of 995 individuals over five waves (2016-2022), panel regression results indicate that specific aspects of neighborhood cohesion-physical rootedness, sociability with neighbors, trust in neighbors, and adherence to social norms-are associated with lower depressive symptoms. Conversely, informal social interactions and participation in local organizations show no significant effects. We conclude that place attachment, alongside elements of sociability and normativity, can protect against depression, while close relationships and local commitments appear less influential.