Accommodation environments and student mental health in the UK: the role of relational spaces

Worsley, Joanne D, Harrison, Paula and Corcoran, Rhiannon ORCID: 0000-0001-8900-9199 (2023) Accommodation environments and student mental health in the UK: the role of relational spaces JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH, 32 (1). pp. 175-182. ISSN 0963-8237, 1360-0567

Text Worsley et al (2021) Quant student accomodation author accepted version CJMH-2020-0593.R1_Proof_hi[49478].pdf - Author Accepted Manuscript Download (455kB) | Preview

Abstract

Background: Despite Universities UK emphasising a “whole university approach” to improve mental health and wellbeing, quantitative research exploring the role of accommodation environments in student mental health is limited. Aim: To explore the effects of physical and social structures on university student mental health in the UK. Methods: Using a cross-sectional sample of newly acquainted student residents living in shared accommodation in North West England (n = 904), this study sought to investigate how accommodation environments influence students’ mental health with a focus on the concept of relational spaces. Results: Within the milieu of university accommodation, a low sense of belonging and feeling uncomfortable were associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Poor relationships with fellow residents and not using communal areas were associated with higher levels of depression and loneliness, whilst sharing cooking with others was associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety. Conclusions: For students to flourish in their new homes, accommodation providers must consider relational wellbeing, making places that foster a sense of belonging where students feel sufficiently connected to others. As empowering communities and promoting community cohesion is central to health and wellbeing promotion, greater efforts need to be made to consider relational aspects of space and wellbeing in the design and stewardship of student accommodation.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Student accommodation, university student mental health, relational spaces, relational wellbeing, sense of belonging
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	21 Jan 2021 09:18
Last Modified:	16 Jun 2026 10:15
DOI:	10.1080/09638237.2021.1922648
Related Websites:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3114329
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