Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026

Measuring Biophysical and Psychological Stress Levels Following Visitation to Three Locations with Differing Levels of Nature
Published on: June 19, 2019
The interactive effects of housing and neighbourhood quality on psychological well-being
McKenzie L Jones-Rounds1, Gary W Evans, Matthias Braubach
1Department of Design and Environmental Analysis, Cornell University, , Ithaca, New York, USA.
Background:
Many individuals are subject to the physically and mentally detrimental effects of living in substandard housing and inadequate neighbourhoods. We propose that better physical neighbourhood quality can partially offset some of the negative effects of poor housing quality on psychological well-being.
Methods:
Interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data in a cross-sectional study of housing quality, the state of the surrounding environment, and individual health and well-being for 5605 European adults from the Large Analysis and Review of European housing and health Status conducted by WHO in eight European cities. Multilevel random coefficient modelling was used to statistically analyse the main and interactive effects of housing quality and neighbourhood quality on psychological well-being. Socioeconomic status, employment status, gender and marital status were included as statistical controls.
Results And Conclusions:
Substandard housing quality and poor neighbourhood quality each contribute to lower psychological well-being. Furthermore better neighbourhood quality buffers against the negative effects of poor housing quality on psychological well-being. These results fill a gap in research concerning the ability of neighbourhood quality to amplify or attenuate housing quality impacts on well-being.
Related Concept Videos
Social Relationships and Well-Being
Traits, Mood, and Subjective Wellbeing
Neuroticism and...
Benefits of Self-Esteem
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Psychological Responses to Stress
Impact of Social Context on Individuals

