Social distance and related behaviour: The role of social identity access and psychological well-being

Research into social distance has shown a variety of adverse effects on social and health outcomes, but the psychological factors linking structural inequality to harmful economic behaviours are not well understood. Using ideas from social identity and well-being perspectives, this study explores whether limited access to key social identities can explain the link between social distance and unhealthy economic actions related to drug involvement. A mixed-methods longitudinal study in Nigeria was conducted, including two phases: an analysis of state-level panel data between 2014 and 2019, and a review of survey data from 655 adults across all 37 states in 2022-2023. Conditional process analysis indicates that increased social distance is associated with greater involvement in drug-related economic activities. These associations are partially due to reduced access to valued social identities and are amplified in cases of lower psychological well-being, suggesting a moderated mediation relationship. The findings suggest that social distance influences behaviour not only through material restrictions but also through psychological mechanisms tied to identity and mental health. This research provides insight into how limited identity options and weakened psychological resources are connected to harmful economic decisions, combining structural inequality with social identity theories. The results highlight the potential of identity-expanding and well-being-enhancing interventions to address damaging economic choices in marginalised communities.