This text explores the relationship between the planned or built environment and the occurrence of mental ill-health. It discusses topics such as the impact of the environment as a source of stress and the effects that the environment can have on the quality of relationships between people.

Chapter 1 Introduction and Background: What is mental illness?; What is meant by the planned environment?; Mental illness and the environment: early studies; Recurrent methodological issues. Chapter 2 Classical Environmental Stressors: What is environmental stress?; Air pollution; The seasons, heat, wind and weather; Noise; New evidence on noise: the effects from road traffic; Summary. Chapter 3 Social Environmental Stressors: What is a social environmental stressor?; Crowding; Crime, fear and the environment; Summary and refinements to the stress model. Chapter 4 Social Support and the Planned Environment: Introduction; Social networks, social support and mental health; Social factors affecting neighbouring behaviour; The physical environment and social support; Conclusion: the ideal neighbour and the ideal neighbourhood. Chapter 5 The Environment as Symbol and the Example of the High-Rise: Introduction; Labelling; Aspiration achievement discrepancies; The example of the high-rise flat. Chapter 6 The Planning Process: Introduction; Relocation and slum-clearance; Resident participation in the planning process; Case study: demolition!. Chapter 7 Improving Mental Health Through the Environment - A Case Study: Design and methodology; About the estate; The intervention; The impact of the changes; The impact on residents' mental health; Summary. Chapter 8 Mental Illness and the Planned Environment: Is there a causal relationship between mental illness and the planned environment?; Broader implications.