Space, place & youth : exploring the relationship between space, place & youth mental health & wellbeing

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on the relationship between space, place and youth mental health and wellbeing. It explores the relationship between space and place, youth mental health and wellbeing, help-seeking behaviour and the role of friendships and connectedness in creating a sense of belonging and identity. It addresses key elements such as affordance and place attachment, the role of nature and the environment, as well as prevention and early intervention in youth mental health. This research obtains young people’s and professionals’ perspectives on the role of the environment in youth wellbeing and mental health. This is done through a thorough review of the literature, quantitative surveys and focus groups with youth which explore their perceptions and experiences in relation to the topic, and key-informant interviews with experts in the fields of youth and mental health. The results clearly show the need to listen to young people’s opinions and to provide fora within which they can express themselves. Because they were given the chance through this research, they told us how spaces and places impact their lives and wellbeing, and they warned us that we are absolutely not doing enough to understand the extent of this impact.