A FRAMEWORK TO MEASURE THE IMPACT OF URBAN ENVIRONMENTS ON MENTAL WELL-BEING

Abstract

Studies have established association between urbanisation and the rise in mental health disorders amongst the urban population. Globally, urbanisation is at peak and hence, comprehending how urbanisation may be leading to a rise in mental health disorders, is the need of the hour. Literature has emphasized that urban environments may be directly impacting mental well-being. It further suggests that these impacts may be either positive or negative, depending on the respective environment quality. However, research seems to have paid less attention on considering particularly how the two categories of the urban environment, the physical environment, and the social environment, may be impacting the mental well-being of urban inhabitants. And, due to the difference in the physical, and social environment, the existing assessment tools can neither be validated, nor do these tools give opportunity to solicit the “hidden” knowledge of the wider community and their key concerns. This study fills this identified gap of the need to develop a framework for measuring the impact of urban environments on mental well-being, particularly in the Indian context. The research methodology for the development of this framework, incorporated a mixed-method approach, including extensive literature reviews, a review of the existing healthy built environment assessment tools, and the investigation into stakeholder perceptions, expert opinions, and various specialists to determine the relevance and importance of the key urban environment indicators associated with mental well-being. A consensus-based technique engaging various experts across relevant fields of study, was used to allocate weights to the framework’s identified associated factors (components and indicators). The new evolved framework identified 73 key urban indicators under 13 components. Four zones (Zone E, F, G, H) of Delhi, were studied as cases for validation and finalisation of the framework. The study consisted of two main components: an initial reconnaissance survey, which centred on observed characteristics of the physical environment through self-assessment and data collection from secondary sources, and a household survey aimed at gathering data related to perceived physical and social environments. Simultaneously, data on mental well-being were collected from the same respondents who participated in the household survey. A rigorous data analysis process was implemented, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods to extract meaningful patterns and insights. Statistical techniques, including regression analysis and correlation studies, were employed to explore relationships between perceived environment and mental well-being. Qualitative data from open-ended survey questions were subjected to thematic analysis, allowing for a nuanced understanding of participants' experiences and perceptions. According to the weightage system, the Urban Environments and Mental Well-being Framework (UEMWF) was able to sum up a single score (Ts=Total score) which reflected the level of urban environment impacting on mental well-being. UEMWF used a percentage based scale or includes 6 different levels of certification. The percentage is (TS) total score or the overall rating. The study, based on 758 respondents in four zones in Delhi, India, revealed significant variations in mental well-being, with one of the four zones, Zone H, exhibiting the highest scores. Statistical analysis established a positive association between the physical environment and mental well-being. Factors such as advanced security systems, affordable housing choices, adequate daylight, neighborhood cleanliness, and ambient outdoor temperature positively impact residents' mental well-being, aligning with findings from previous research. Notably, parking spaces in commercial areas showed a negative correlation with mental well-being. The social environment analysis indicated that emotional support, mutual trust, and a sense of safety positively influencing mental well-being, consistent with established associations in literature. This doctoral work bridged the gap of the requirement of a comprehensive framework to assess the impact of urban environments on mental wellbeing, as a step towards the design of mentally healthy cities across the globe. The doctoral work concludes with i) a comprehensive framework [to assess urban environments for mental wellbeing] which is expected to inform the urban local bodies/respective role players in the planning and design. ii) a method to broadly identify indicators of the respective urban environment, into each one’s extent of influence on mental wellbeing of it’s residents, which may inform the planning and design interventions to achieve mentally healthy cities in the times to come.