Exploring the Relationship between Neighbourhood Environment and Mental Health in Toronto

This paper explores perceptions of the relationship between neighbourhood environment and mental health in Toronto. I hypothesize there is a link between neighbourhoods characteristics and mental health that is mediated by daily stress and vulnerability to negative events. At the beginning of my paper, I situated the current studies in the academic literature and analyzed what other authors have found about the correlation between neighbourhood environment and its impact on mental health. I conducted a qualitative study and carried out my research in two locations: Alexandra Park and Hogg's Hollow. A total of ten people were interviewed for approximate 27- 60 minutes, either face-to-face or over the telephone. Every participant answered the same series of semi-structured questions about their neighbourhood environment and the potential impact it can have on their mental health. My interviewees provided me with a variety of responses; some believed there is a definite relationship between neighbourhood, environment and mental health, while others said they do not see a connection. One interviewee was indecisive. All my participants, however, seemed to agree that there is a positive link between social interaction, green space and mental health, and a negative relationship between crime, violence, noise and psychological well-being. My research findings illustrate that a person's mental health can be impacted by economic and social factors such as income level, education, language, crime, noise and community ties. These factors usually define our neighbourhoods. My research provides evidence that the neighbourhood we live in can influence our psychological well-being. Therefore, some neighbourhood buffers such as green space, social ties and physical activities can have a positive impact on resident’s mental health. I conclude that data from my research work had strong evidence to support the hypothesis and would like to point out that we need to raise awareness about inequity in the city and suggest for further research to be done.