Conceptualization of Social Capital in Mental Health Context among Adolescents and Adults

Abstract

The present study aimed to explore the concept of social capital concerning mental health among adolescents and adults. The glue that holds civilizations together has been described as social capital. According to Putnam (2002), social capital refers to the characteristics of social organization, such as norms, networks, and social trust that enable individuals to coordinate and cooperate with others for their mutual advantage. The present study employed a qualitative inquiry, data were collected from mental health professionals and social capital researchers (N=14) by following semi-structured interviews. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data. Findings revealed Four overarching topics that emerged from experts’ views: the impact of social capital on mental health; envisioning of social capital; social capital in Pakistan; and Pakistani youth and social capital. In the future, data must be collected from adults, adolescents, and persons with mental disabilities by following different research designs. The present study would help generate indigenous tools to measure social capital.