Perceived neighbourhood physical (dis)order and children’s mental health in Brantford, Ontario, Canada

Source abstract

Geographers – and other researchers employing geographical perspectives – have a longstanding interest in mental health, with much of the resultant research reporting a concentration of disorder in areas characterised by low socioeconomic status (SES). These patterns are typically explained by reference to material disadvantage and the disordered nature of some urban environments. Overwhelmingly, this research focusses upon adults, with children remaining relatively understudied. Using a cross-sectional study design, this paper examines the relationship between parental perceptions of neighbourhood physical (dis)order and the mental health of a sample of Grades 1–5 children living in the City of Brantford, Ontario, Canada. Participants in the study offered their assessment of six indicators of physical (dis)order, while mental health was evaluated using parental report, as well as responses to the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Associations between neighbourhood (dis)order and mental health status were assessed using odds ratios, and logistic regression analyses were used to determine whether the observed associations persisted after inclusion of the effects of SES. The findings reported herein are, in general terms, consistent with the notion that urban physical disorder might represent a potential risk to children’s mental health, while physical order may be protective against mental health problems.