https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/57061 2026-08-08T21:05:58Z 2026-08-08T21:05:58Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/57432 2020-06-09T06:17:50Z 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Streets, stress and society : the impacts of the urban environment and transport on the population’s mental well-being Abstract: The development of sustainable urban environments is not solely based on the economic and environmental facets of sustainability but also includes social sustainability and resilience. This ensures that people within those urban areas are positively impacted by their environment and their well-being is safeguarded. This research focuses on understanding the link between the urban environment and the Maltese road users’ mental well-being by using the town of Birkirkara as a case study area. Using questionnaire surveys and street observations, the main urban stressors experienced by Birkirkara residents was analysed. Apart from identifying the urban stressors from the literature and testing them in the case study area, their variation depending on the transport mode used will also be analysed. Additionally, maps showing the urban area and the street activity were created to support the study. The data from the questionnaires was then correlated with the features observed from the physical environment through a street quality checklist. The results show that although road users may evaluate their trips differently in terms of feelings of pleasantness, excitement and interestingness, ultimately, they experience the same stressors which are mediated through unsustainable aspects within the urban environment. The findings are useful inputs for policy-making and urban planning to move towards sustainable development of urban areas that positively impact the population’s mental well-being. Description: M.SC.SUS.DEVELOPMENT

2020-01-01T00:00:00Z