New Delhi, October 22, 2026: A nationwide study led by researchers at the University of Canterbury (UC), New Zealand, has found significant associations between neighbourhood environments and mental health outcomes among young people aged 10 to 24 years. The research, conducted across New Zealand from 2013 to 2018, analysed data from 957,381 individuals in this age group.
The study, published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, used the Healthy Location Index (HLI) to assess 10 features of built and natural environments. These included supermarkets, physical activity spaces, parks, reserves, rivers, lakes, coastlines, fast-food outlets, alcohol outlets, and gaming venues.
Key findings on environment and wellbeing
According to the researchers, greater exposure to health-constraining environments—such as fast-food outlets, alcohol outlets, and gaming venues—was linked to poorer mental health, particularly emotional disorders. The study also found some evidence of higher odds of substance use and self-harm hospitalisations among youth living in such environments.
Conversely, access to natural environments, especially a combination of green and blue spaces like parks, rivers, lakes, and coastlines, was associated with better mental health outcomes. These associations remained significant even after adjusting for deprivation, access to healthcare, age, gender, and ethnicity.
Implications for urban planning
The findings underscore the importance of considering neighbourhood environments in broader discussions on youth wellbeing and urban planning. While the research was specific to New Zealand and does not establish causality, it provides a foundation for further studies on how local environments may influence young people’s mental health in other countries, including India.
Growing relevance for India
With rapid urbanisation reshaping neighbourhoods and access to public spaces in India, understanding the links between built and natural environments and youth mental health is becoming increasingly relevant, researchers noted. The study suggests that environmental factors should be considered alongside individual and social influences in efforts to improve youth mental health outcomes.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a press release provided by the concerned organisation and has been edited for style and clarity with the assistance of AI tools. BusinessFortnight does not verify, endorse, or take responsibility for the claims, figures, or statements made in the original release.
