Housing and Health in Beijing: Implications of High-rise Housing on Children and the Aged

Abstract

Presents data from an ongoing Swedish-Chinese interdisciplinary and cross-sectional project on housing and health in Beijing. Focus is on observational data collected in 1987 and 1988 and findings in the literature on the implications of urbanization on dwelling, health, and well-being. Comparisons are made of the design, use, and experience of traditional courtyard houses and modern flats in mid- and high-rise buildings. Two vulnerable groups, children and elderly residents, are also compared. Data indicate that the urbanization process in the People's Republic of China can influence family functions, sociopsychological development, and mental health of young and old people. A review of the literature survey addresses child and elderly mental health, divorce rate, and juvenile delinquency. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)