Abstract
Mental health conditions pose a significant public health challenge, and low area -level socioeconomic status (SES) is a potentially important upstream determinant. Childhood exposure might have influences on later -life mental health. This study, utilises data from the Christchurch Health and Development Study birth cohort, examining the impact of area -level SES trajectories in childhood (from birth to age 16) on mental health at age 16 and from age 18 -40 years. Findings revealed some associations between distinct SES trajectories and mental health. The study underscores the importance of using a spatial lifecourse epidemiology framework to understand long-term environmental impacts on later -life health.