Environments by Design

Abstract

This presentation will focus on the impact of the urban environment on young people’s mental health. This session will explore the background of Glasgow as a city and a case study, taking stock of the resources these young people have by examining a community map of Drumchapel, a deprived neighborhood in Glasgow, an emotion matching exercise, and discuss what we have observed through observations. 

“Mair et al (2008) conclude that ‘Measures of the built environment appeared to be more consistently associated with depression than socioeconomic deprivation, residential stability, or race’, (Maantay and Maroko, 2015). This lends credence to the concept that ‘place’ matters as much, if not more, than individual characteristics and behavior in the prevalence of mental disorders. Deprived areas in Glasgow exhibit more mental health issues among its population. “The data suggest the characteristics of impoverished, urban neighborhoods are associated with depressive symptoms in developing countries, just as they are in developed countries” (Mullings et al., 2013). 

Existing literature demonstrates that vulnerable populations and low-income populations are at the greatest risk for health inequalities due to their location. Taking an environmental justice framework, which Pearce (2013) sees as a link between health inequalities and socioeconomic position between neighborhoods, supports the exploration of the gap in research for mental health inequities in young people. 

The conference participants will be able to learn about Glasgow and its urban livability, as well as see examples of participatory methods which includes the child as co-contributor. By sharing with you all the processes, and the same participatory activities as I will do with young people, they can see how this exploratory research proposal can be used in other cities, and how it amplifies the voice of the young person.