Home truths: Are housing-related events more important for residents’ health compared with other life events?

Abstract

Moving home and home improvements are significant life events, but their health impacts are rarely studied in relation to other life events that occur relatively frequently in deprived populations. This article examines both housing and personal life events over a three year period among a study group living in deprived areas of Glasgow, in order to consider their impacts upon the health and well-being of residents. Housing-related events are the most frequently occurring life events, with relatively minor negative impacts upon physical and mental health and mental well-being; the effects of housing events are attenuated when other life events are taken into account. The largest negative effects on health are associated with serious health episodes, crime victimisation and relationship break-up, with the largest positive effects associated with getting a job. There is a case for holistic regeneration which offers personal support for life events and seeks positive interactive effects.