A comparison study on how the urban environment relates to the mental well-being of different cultural groups in the Netherlands

Urbanization is seen as one of the leading changes related to health. This is, among other things, due to increased densities of populations and buildings. This results in increased light, air and noise pollution and the decrease of green spaces. Living in urbanized areas has been negatively associated with mental health in previous studies. Furthermore literature research found that highly urbanized areas are more segregated and have a higher percentage of non-native citizens. Non-western immigrants in the Netherlands have found to have more mental health problems than Dutch citizens. Issues about mental well-being in the multicultural urban environment are complex and therefore demands for an interdisciplinary approach. This study aims to give a multidisciplinary insight on mental health by researching the urban environment and mental health among different cultural groups. Urban environment is measured through satisfaction as well as residential density and land-use mix. With the...Show moreUrbanization is seen as one of the leading changes related to health. This is, among other things, due to increased densities of populations and buildings. This results in increased light, air and noise pollution and the decrease of green spaces. Living in urbanized areas has been negatively associated with mental health in previous studies. Furthermore literature research found that highly urbanized areas are more segregated and have a higher percentage of non-native citizens. Non-western immigrants in the Netherlands have found to have more mental health problems than Dutch citizens. Issues about mental well-being in the multicultural urban environment are complex and therefore demands for an interdisciplinary approach. This study aims to give a multidisciplinary insight on mental health by researching the urban environment and mental health among different cultural groups. Urban environment is measured through satisfaction as well as residential density and land-use mix. With the use of an online survey this study gathered data of 34 Dutch, Turkish, Moroccan and Surinamese citizens that live in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague to make comparisons between the groups and cities. Analyses on a cross-sectional questionnaire study provided significant evidence that increased land-use mix and density of facilities moderately relates to a higher satisfaction of the environment. No evidence was found that cultural background, cultural identity or city of residence relates to mental well-being and satisfaction of the urban environment. The research can also not conclude a relationship between residential density and satisfaction or mental well-being. Information from this research provides an additional perspective for urban planners to take in regard the impact of the urban environment on health. For future research we suggest to study the relationship between the urban environment and mental well-being through a longitudinal study and advise a further focus on cultural identity in contemporary cities.Show less

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A comparison study on how the urban environment relates to the mental well-being of different cultural groups in the Netherlands