The impact of the built environment on loneliness: A systematic review and narrative synthesis

Marlee Bower; Jennifer Kent; Roger Patulny; Olivia Green; Laura McGrath; Lily Teesson; Tara Jamalishahni; Hannah Sandison; Emily Rugel

doi:10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102962

The impact of the built environment on loneliness: A systematic review and narrative synthesis

Health Place. 2023 Jan:79:102962. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102962. Epub 2023 Jan 7.

Authors

Marlee Bower¹, Jennifer Kent², Roger Patulny³, Olivia Green¹, Laura McGrath⁴, Lily Teesson¹, Tara Jamalishahni⁵, Hannah Sandison⁶, Emily Rugel⁷

Affiliations

¹ The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Australia.
² The University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design, and Planning, The University of Sydney, Australia. Electronic address: Jennifer.kent@sydney.edu.au.
³ Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Australia.
⁴ Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, England; UK.
⁵ The Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Australia.
⁶ The University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design, and Planning, The University of Sydney, Australia.
⁷ Westmead Applied Research Centre, The University of Sydney, Australia.

PMID: 36623467
DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102962

Abstract

Loneliness is a pressing public health issue. Although quintessentially individual, it is shaped by wider environmental, cultural, socio-economic, and political circumstances. Using a systematic review methodology, this paper draws on interdisciplinary research to conceptualise the relationship between the built environment and loneliness. We present a narrative synthesis of 57 relevant studies to characterise the body of evidence and highlight specific built-environment elements. Our findings demonstrate the need for further conceptual and empirical explorations of the multifaceted ways in which built environments can prevent loneliness, supporting calls for investment into this public-health approach.

Keywords: Built environment; Greenspace; Housing; Loneliness; Neighbourhood design; Systematic review.

Publication types

Systematic Review
Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Built Environment*
Humans
Loneliness*
Narration
Public Health