Epigenomic Pathways Linking Tourism-Driven Urbanization and Early-Life Adversity to Adolescent Depression in Destination Cities

Abstract

Rapid tourism-driven urbanization in destination cities, combined with early-life adversity, poses significant risks for adolescent depression. Urbanization alters social ecology, increases exposure to environmental stressors, and disrupts neurodevelopment during critical periods, while early-life adversity- including abuse, neglect, and socioeconomic stress-further modifies stress-response systems. Epigenomic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications in key neurodevelopmental genes like BDNF and NR3C1, mediate these effects, translating environmental exposures into lasting alterations in brain function and affective regulation. Adolescents in highly urbanized tourist cities show elevated vulnerability to depression via these pathways, highlighting the interplay between environmental, social, and epigenetic factors. Understanding these mechanisms informs targeted interventions for mental health in tourism-dependent urban populations.