Editorial: Through the Lens of Fear: Unsafe Neighborhood and Mental Health Difficulties Among Adults

Sahar Obeid^1*Sally Souraya²Marie Anne El-Khoury¹Myriam El Khoury-Malhame¹Feten Fekih-Romdhane³Souheil Hallit⁴

• ¹Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
• ²Royal College of Psychiatrists, London, United Kingdom
• ³Hopital Razi, Manouba, Tunisia
• ⁴Universite Saint-Esprit de Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon

Neighborhood safety is increasingly recognized as critical determinant of both mental and physical wellbeing [1]. Beyond basic physiological needs, a sense of safety is fundamental for psychological stability, social engagement, and self-actualization 3]. Unsafe environmentswhether characterized by crime, violence, or social disorder -are consistently linked to heightened stress, depressive symptoms, anxiety, reduced physical activity, and even adverse birth outcomes [4][5][6]. While much research has focused on Western urban populations, this Research Topic brings studies that broaden our understanding of neighborhood safety across diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and geographic contexts, shedding light on both risk and protective factors.A central theme emerging from this collection concerns the conceptualization and measurement of perceived safety. As the world continues to face challenges related to urbanization, conflict, and social inequalities, creating safe and supportive environments will be essential for fostering holistic health and resilience.