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In The Neighborhood

How the built environment influences our mental health

Career
How Employers Impact Parents' Wellbeing

Jacinta Francis Ph.D. on March 20, 2014

Combining work and family is a reality for many parents today. Choosing the right work place may determine parents' success.

Combining work and family is a reality for many parents today. Choosing the right work place may determine parents' success.

Consumer Behavior
Influencing Wellbeing: Materialism and Self-Esteem

Jacinta Francis Ph.D. on March 11, 2014

Studies not only show that changes in materialism predict changes in wellbeing, but offer practical strategies for reducing materialistic values and improving self-esteem.

Studies not only show that changes in materialism predict changes in wellbeing, but offer practical strategies for reducing materialistic values and improving self-esteem.

Environment
A Generous Nature

Jacinta Francis Ph.D. on December 23, 2013

Want to enahnce your social relations this holiday season? Exposure to more rather than less beautiful nature has been linked to prosocial traits, such as agreeableness, empathy and generosity.

Want to enahnce your social relations this holiday season? Exposure to more rather than less beautiful nature has been linked to prosocial traits, such as agreeableness, empathy and generosity.

Environment
Improving Energy Levels with Light Exposure

Jacinta Francis Ph.D. on December 9, 2013

The end of the year can be an exhausting time for everyone. New research into light and vitality offers insights into improving our energy levels.

The end of the year can be an exhausting time for everyone. New research into light and vitality offers insights into improving our energy levels.

Consumer Behavior
Raising Non-Materialistic Children in a Material World

Jacinta Francis Ph.D. on November 28, 2013

Studies have shown that prioritizing money and material possessions has been associated with a slew of negative outcomes in children and adults. As parents, how can we steer our children away from adopting materialistic values?

Studies have shown that prioritizing money and material possessions has been associated with a slew of negative outcomes in children and adults. As parents, how can we steer our children away from adopting materialistic values?

Play
Urban Versus Rural Life

Jacinta Francis Ph.D. on September 29, 2013

Many of us assume that children raised in rural areas are healthier than those living in cities. A recent study exploring the physical activity and screen time of children in both rural and urban areas suggests this isn't always the case.

Many of us assume that children raised in rural areas are healthier than those living in cities. A recent study exploring the physical activity and screen time of children in both rural and urban areas suggests this isn't always the case.

Stress
Personalizing Workspaces to Enhance Wellbeing

Jacinta Francis Ph.D. on September 23, 2013

Recent research shows that personalizing your workplace can provide a buffer against the stresses and distractions of open-plan offices.

Recent research shows that personalizing your workplace can provide a buffer against the stresses and distractions of open-plan offices.

Play
Outdoor Living and the Shrinking Backyard

Jacinta Francis Ph.D. on June 19, 2013

Despite smaller families and shrinking housing lots, our houses are increasing in size. As a consequence, the humble backyard and its associated benefits are disappearing.

Despite smaller families and shrinking housing lots, our houses are increasing in size. As a consequence, the humble backyard and its associated benefits are disappearing.

Friends
How Healthy is Your School Run?

Jacinta Francis Ph.D. on May 27, 2013

Deciding on the right school for your child can be a daunting prospect. Choosing a school within walking distance may have a number of social and physical health benefits.

Deciding on the right school for your child can be a daunting prospect. Choosing a school within walking distance may have a number of social and physical health benefits.

Anxiety
Exercise Anxiety

Jacinta Francis Ph.D. on March 27, 2013

Although I enjoy exercising outdoors, safety concerns deter me from visiting local woodlands. Studies suggest that many women feel the same.

Although I enjoy exercising outdoors, safety concerns deter me from visiting local woodlands. Studies suggest that many women feel the same.

Aging
Active Living in Later Years

Jacinta Francis Ph.D. on March 6, 2013

Seniors have the lowest levels of physical activity of all population groups. Well-located retirement villages can enhance opportunities for social interaction and physical activity.

Seniors have the lowest levels of physical activity of all population groups. Well-located retirement villages can enhance opportunities for social interaction and physical activity.

Relationships
Virtual vs Real-World Relationships

Jacinta Francis Ph.D. on October 15, 2012

It has been argued that neighborhood environments are becoming redundant as technology and mobility allow us to draw on broad social networks. I beg to differ...

It has been argued that neighborhood environments are becoming redundant as technology and mobility allow us to draw on broad social networks. I beg to differ...

Environment
Variety: The Spice of Park Life

Jacinta Francis Ph.D. on October 1, 2012

Recent research suggests high quality parks may benefit mental health. So what does a high quality park look like and how does it bring this benefit about?

Recent research suggests high quality parks may benefit mental health. So what does a high quality park look like and how does it bring this benefit about?