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Table 1 Analytical Levels of Depression and Context

From: Realist theory construction for a mixed method multilevel study of neighbourhood context and postnatal depression

Levels

Example of structures

Example of mechanisms

Example of contexts

Example of negative outcomes

Global economic

Multinational companies

Exploitation, Profit

Labour market

Unemployment, migration

Cultural

Ethnic community

Segregation

Migration

Bonding networks

Social

Neighbourhood social capital

Relationships

Social networks

Isolation

Social

Family

Emotional support

Absent partner

Isolation

Psychological

Self

Relation to self

Isolation

Feeling overwhelmed and alone

Psychological

Mind

Stress

Overwhelmed and alone

Depression, reduced motivation, anxiety

Biological

Body

Neurobiological

Reduced motivation

Hypoactivity of motivation areas