Housing and Mental Health: A Review of the Evidence and a Methodological and Conceptual Critique

What the study found

Reviews research on housing type (detached versus multiple dwelling), floor level and housing quality (such as structural damage) in relation to mental health, and concludes that research in this area is remarkably underdeveloped given how much people invest in their homes.

Limitations

Narrative review; the evidence it covers is weak by the authors' own account.

Neurodesign interpretation

A useful statement of how little was known about homes and mental health, from researchers central to the field.

Possible design implications

None direct; sets out the gaps and a framework for future housing research.

Study design

Narrative critical review

Population

Residents across reviewed studies.

Setting

Housing

Field

Housing, Public health + exposure science

Mechanism

Housing quality and mental health

Spatial variable

Housing type, floor level, housing quality

Keywords

housing, mental health, housing quality, review, methodology

Notes and follow-up

Related records: ND-0157, ND-0124.