THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF URBAN STRESSORS ON YOUNG ADULTS IN KARACHI: A MIXED-METHODS APPROACH

Abstract

High-density urban environments are associated with several potential stressors that affect mental health, especially for young adults. Urban stressors have been associated with adverse mental health outcomes; however, few studies explore the relationship between urban stressors, perceived stress, anxiety, and depression. This cross-sectional study, conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, included young adults aged 18–30 years. Emphasizing the notion of Eco philosophical stress, and utilizing a mixed-methods framework, the study successfully combines quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews, allowing for a rich understanding of the psychological toll of urban strife. The results show that urban stressors significantly correlate with psychological distresses Positive correlational analysis of urban stressors on psychological distresses evidently, financial instability, environmental pollution, and social isolation stood out as significant predictors. Jobless participants reported more stress, confirming prior research on economic insecurity and mental well-being. The qualitative portion of this study helped to better illustrate the lived experience of young adults as they describe their economic instability and the environmental stressors they face. Also, the negative correlation that was found between coping strategies and distress reflects that individuals experiencing more adaptive mechanisms are less psychologically distressed. The results highlight the importance of health components in mental health care, economic support programs, and urban planning inclusive to lessen environmental and economic stressors in metropolitan regions. Causal relations and resilience counteracting urban stress should be addressed by longitudinal designs in the future. Though limited in nature by self-reporting biases and cross- sectional design, these results offer important implications for policymakers and mental health practitioners. Urban stressors can be tackled by applying targeted interventions, which are important for increasing resilience in young adults and enhancing their health status.