Drawing on data from 1,675 adolescents (average age 17), the study explored whether young people experienced discrimination and on what grounds, including ethnicity, sexual orientation, clothing, appearance or religion. Using network analysis, the researchers examined how these experiences are embedded within a broader system of social and psychological factors.
Key findings
The results show that perceived discrimination is not an isolated experience, but a central factor within a wider network of urban stressors and wellbeing:
- Perceived discrimination was associated with higher emotional distress, lower wellbeing and reduced social support.
- It was also linked to increased cannabis and tobacco use.
- Discrimination functioned as a key connecting node, linking urban stressors, reduced neighbourhood safety and psychological vulnerability.
- Girls appeared more vulnerable: they reported discrimination more often, and the interconnections within the network were stronger compared to boys.
A complex interplay of factors
By applying a network approach, this study highlights how experiences like discrimination interact with multiple aspects of young people’s lives at the same time. Rather than pointing to a single cause, the findings illustrate a complex system in which social experiences, environment and health are closely intertwined.
No causal conclusions, but important signals
While the study does not establish causal relationships, it clearly signals that discrimination is an important factor to consider in understanding youth mental health and behaviour. These insights underline the need for continued research into how social environments and inequalities shape health outcomes in urban populations.
Acknowledgements and publication
This research was made possible by the participants of the ABCD study and the collaboration of researchers including Hanan Bozhar, Susanne de Rooij, Anja Lok, Tanja Vrijkotte, Reinout Wiers and Helle Larsen.