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The Relationship Between Mental Health and The Experiences of Expatriates and Foreign Nationals Residing in Specific Neighbourhoods Throughout Saudi Arabia.
Bahareth, Jannah
Bahareth, Jannah
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Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between mental health outcomes and neighbourhood
level conditions among expatriates and non-Saudi residents in Saudi Arabia. Using a
quantitative survey approach (N = 40), the research explored how perceived neighbourhood
safety, walkability, infrastructure quality, access to services, and sense of community
influence psychological well-being. Standardized instruments, including the DASS-8 and
SCI-2, were employed to assess mental health symptoms and community connectedness. A
significant negative correlation was observed between DASS-8 and SCI-2 scores (r(40) =
0.444, p = .004), indicating that higher levels of social connectedness were associated with
lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Independent samples t-tests further revealed
that participants with normal DASS-8 scores scored significantly higher across all SCI-2
subscales. Despite general satisfaction with walkability, safety, and basic services, concerns
emerged regarding traffic safety, infrastructure maintenance, and the cultural sensitivity of
healthcare providers. Moreover, stressors such as financial hardship, legal barriers, language
difficulties, and social isolation were commonly reported. Importantly, 77.5% of participants
had not accessed any mental health services, suggesting persistent barriers to care. These
findings highlight the complex interplay between environmental, social, and systemic factors
in shaping the mental health of foreign residents. The study emphasizes the need for
culturally responsive services and inclusive urban policies to enhance mental well-being
among international populations.