Professor Adrian Aguilera
School of Social Welfare
Bianca Poblano, Undergraduate Research Fellow
Mapping Mental Health: A Data-Driven Approach to Understanding Well-being in Latinx Communities
Project Abstract
The "Mapping Mental Health" research project will utilize GPS data to analyze the impact of daily movement patterns and environmental factors on mental well-being. The study's objective is to explore how geographic location and mobility correlate with mental health outcomes in Latinx individuals.
Our research questions delve into the relationship between location diversity and mental health indicators, investigating if varied daily environments contribute to reduced depression symptoms. We also examine how circadian movement patterns, including regular sleep/wake cycles, might predict mental health based on previous findings linking unstable rhythms to poorer mental well-being. Lastly, we aim to identify key environmental factors affecting the mental health of Latinx populations. Methodologically, the project employs advanced data analysis techniques. Clustering algorithms like DBSCAN will categorize GPS data points to identify significant locations. Regression analysis will further elucidate the relationship between movement patterns and mental health indicators.
This study is significant for its interdisciplinary approach, combining technology, data science, and public health. We anticipate our findings will offer novel insights for personalized mental health interventions and inform researchers and policymakers about environmental influences on Latinx mental health. Ultimately, this project aims to address health disparities in minority communities, enhancing understanding and strategies for improving mental well-being.