Thesis Title: A mixed methods study exploring the long-term effects of poor-quality, insecure urban housing on the mental health of racially minoritized groups in London
Abstract: Mounting evidence indicates that poor quality housing exacerbates mental health problems. This is particularly acute among racially minoritized groups in the UK, who experience an ‘ethnic penalty’, with some groups more likely to experience housing deprivation (e.g., overcrowding, lack of central heating). There is a striking absence of evidence relating to the interplay of housing deprivation with mental health, particularly for these groups. To address this knowledge gap, we have partnered and developed this proposal with Thrive LDN, a participatory, city-wide initiative, tackling the wider determinants of mental health and wellbeing in London. The project will use a sequential mixed methods design, employing quantitative secondary data analysis of a nationally representative cohort of 10,000 young adults to understand ethnic inequalities in mental health faced by people experiencing poor housing and insecure tenure. Map-based data visualisations will inform the sampling of residents in high deprivation housing. A comparative qualitative study will be conducted in two contrasting ‘hotspots’ or areas of London with high housing deprivation through prior mapping work. Up to 30 semi-structured interviews will be conducted across hotspots. Thrive LDN will support participant recruitment and facilitate co-production (e.g., designing topic guides) with people with lived experience of housing and mental health difficulties. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with people who self-identify as a racial minority and have experienced housing issues. A mixed method matrix will integrate qualitative and quantitative findings.
Primary Supervisor: Dr Jayati Das-Munshi
Pathway: Pathway 3: HBSI
Cohort: 2023 -24