MENTAL HEALTH IN THE URBAN CENTURY: EVALUATING THE SOCIAL STRESS HYPOTHESIS ACROSS CULTURES

Abstract

This paper critically evaluates the Social Stress Hypothesis in the context of rapid urbanization across diverse cultural settings. The hypothesis posits that urban environments intensify psychosocial stressors that elevate the risk of mental health disorders. Drawing from crosscultural evidence, theoretical frameworks, and empirical findings, this study investigates how factors such as density, socioeconomic inequality, migration, and cultural norms shape the relationship between urbanization and mental health. A mixed-method design is proposed, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to explore both universal and context-specific mechanisms. Hypothetical results illustrate cross-cultural variations, while the discussion highlights implications for urban policy, healthcare, and global mental health equity. The study concludes with practical recommendations for culturally adaptive interventions and future research directions.