It moves you: The relationship between adolescent residential mobility and wellbeing

It moves you: The relationship between adolescent residential mobility and wellbeing
Moving during adolescence is a significant life event. Beyond the stress of the move itself, adolescents must adapt to a new home, a different neighborhood, and build new social connections. In this already turbulent phase, where physical and mental development takes place and friendships play a crucial role, a residential move can be especially disruptive.
I investigated whether, for whom, and in what circumstances a move during adolescence affects wellbeing and future moving behavior. My dissertation shows that wellbeing fluctuates during adolescence and that individual differences decrease into early adulthood. The impact of moving in adolescence on wellbeing varies per person, depending on the characteristics and context of the move. For some, moving can disrupt wellbeing up to years after the move, particularly if adolescents have to move repeatedly, dislike the move, or leave behind strong friendships. Others, such as adolescents who moved only once or lacked close friends before relocating, showed no negative effects or even an increase in wellbeing. Finally, childhood moving experiences can facilitate the development of migration capital, which can influence moving patterns and intentions in adulthood, as demonstrated in the case study on digital nomads.
While moving during adolescence can be stressful, its impact is not universal. This dissertation highlights the complex interplay between moving characteristics, social context, prior moving experiences, and personal characteristics. By better understanding these nuances, we can provide adolescents with the right support and tools to help them navigate this transition successfully.