Master of planning student Brittany Livingston explores public space and mental health
The built environment and public space impact well-being. Source: Laura-Bliger, via Unsplash.
Brittany Livingston is a master of planning student at the School of Urban Planning (SURP) at the Faculty of Community Services (FCS). In partial fulfillment of her master’s degree, Livingston is examining the relationship between urban public spaces and mental wellbeing for Torontonians with mental illness with her faculty supervisor, Professor Samantha Biglieri. “The focus of my research,” said Livingston, “is to better understand what social and built environment elements of urban public space influence the mental wellbeing of young Torontonians with mental illness. We want to help urban planners and municipalities better understand how to build public spaces that improve the mental well-being of their residents. To do this, I’m looking for volunteers who are willing to participate in my study.”
This research is necessary because it fills a gap in the existing research about mental health and the built environment. “Existing research has found that high-quality neighbourhood public spaces in urban settings can support psychological health and wellbeing for the population. We often see checklists of urban design features, such as green space, and infrastructure to support physical activity designed to support general wellness. However, research to understand the impact of the built environment on urban dwellers with mental illness is minimal,” said Livingston. “As such, a question remains regarding access to the type and quality of public spaces and their impact on the mental wellbeing of residents, like young adults living with mental illness,” she said. “By providing a detailed description of public space characteristics that influence the mental wellbeing of young adults living with mental illness in Toronto, this study will contribute to better understanding the associations between urban neighbourhood public space and residential mental wellbeing.”
Livingston hopes this funded study will offer new information regarding the need for urban public space that supports mental wellbeing within young adult populations with mental illness to enhance our academic understanding and the known value of such spaces. Livingston is a recipient of funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) as part of the Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s program. The annual scholarship provides $17,500 in financial support to high-calibre scholars in eligible master's programs in Canada for 12 months of full-time studies.
Research participants needed
Livingston is seeking 25 participants who have been diagnosed with a mental illness between the ages of 18 and 30. Participants must live in Toronto and have regular access to a smartphone. Livingston is using the Ethica Data app to create in-the-moment surveys based on GPS data of user experience of urban spaces like parks, plazas, recreation trails and seating areas. While maintaining privacy (external link) , the app also allows users to submit photos and videos as part of the survey. Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in an optional follow-up interview over Zoom to further discuss their experiences in public space. In appreciation of participants’ time, each will be entered into a draw for a $100 online Mastercard gift card. Interested participants can register for the study and access the Ethica Data app here (external link) .
She aims to publish her major research project results after completing her master of planning degree in spring 2022. SURP graduate research papers can be found online at the library.
