Social inclusion inequalities between individuals with mental disorders and the general population: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

aimsSocial inclusion is increasingly recognised as a key determinant of health and well-being, encompassing participation in social, economic, political and cultural life through access to resources, opportunities and relationships. Individuals with mental disorders are at increased risk of social exclusion, yet existing evidence often relies on broad population-level indicators that fail to capture the multidimensional nature of inclusion. This systematic review aimed to compare levels of social inclusion between these groups using validated psychometric instruments and to identify the dimensions in which disparities are most pronounced.

methodsThe review followed PRISMA guidelines. A two-step search strategy was conducted across PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, CINAHL and Web of Science. First, validated measures of social inclusion and related constructs were identified. Second, studies applying these instruments in individuals with and without mental disorders were retrieved. Eligible studies included adults with clinician-established or self-reported diagnosis of mental disorders and comparison groups from the general population. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to estimate standardised mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between the two groups, while a thematic narrative synthesis explored domain-specific inequalities.

resultsTen studies met inclusion criteria, and six were included in the meta-analysis, comprising 844 individuals with mental disorders and 1086 controls. Individuals with mental disorders reported significantly lower levels of social inclusion than the general population (SMD = -0.91; 95% CI: -1.25 to -0.56). The narrative synthesis identified inequalities across several interconnected domains. Individuals with mental disorders experienced weaker social relationships, lower perceived support, reduced community participation and fewer opportunities for meaningful engagement. Marked disadvantages were also observed in employment, income, education and housing, including financial hardship, insecure living conditions and neighbourhood dissatisfaction. Several studies highlighted discrepancies between objective indicators of participation and subjective experiences of inclusion, indicating that participation alone may not reflect a sense of belonging or access to valued social roles. Socioeconomic position, gender and ethnicity appeared to intensify exclusion across domains.

conclusionsIndividuals with mental disorders experience substantial inequalities in social inclusion across interconnected relational, community and socioeconomic domains. These disparities are shaped by broader structural conditions and compounded by intersecting forms of disadvantage, including socioeconomic position, gender and ethnicity. The findings highlight the need for multidimensional, intersectional and person-centred approaches that recognise both the cumulative nature of exclusion and individuals' subjective experiences of inclusion. Policies and interventions should address the social determinants that constrain opportunities for meaningful inclusion.OSF: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/USXWG.