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October 27, 2025The Urban Built Environment, Walking and Mental Health Outcomes Among Older Adults: A Pilot Study
October 27, 2025Research Article
The built environment and mental health
By Evans, G. W.
Full Citation
Evans, G. W. (2003). The built environment and mental health. Journal of Urban Health, 80, 536-555.
Key Findings
This survey study shows that the built environment has direct and indirect effects on mental health. Indirectly, the physical environment may influence mental health by altering psychosocial processes with known mental health sequelae. Personal control, socially supportive relationships, and restoration from stress and fatigue are all affected by properties of the built environment. These are all features of New Urbanist design approaches.
