NYAPRS Note: In a study supported by the MacArthur Foundation published last fall, researchers explained what housing advocates already know: unsafe or unsanitary homes and frequent disruptions in living situations contributes to emotional and behavioral instability for children. Safe and comfortable housing is essential to mental health at every stage of life, but there are particularly important policy implications from this study. If we are truly transforming our national health care system to one that focuses on preventive care and whole-person treatment, we must enact social policies that mitigate the environmental, economic, and social stresses that can contribute to emotional and physical strain. Arguably, the most critical age group to reach with preventive interventions is children and adolescents, who are too often overlooked in public health initiatives.
Poor Quality Housing Is Tied to Children’s Emotional and Behavioral Problems
MacArthur Foundation; 8/29/2013
Housing quality and housing stability matter to children’s well-being, according to MacArthur-supported research by Boston College detailed in a How Housing Matters Policy Brief. Living in unsafe or unsanitary homes is related to greater emotional and behavioral problems among children and adolescents, and poor housing quality is also related to poorer school performance for older children. Moving frequently is also detrimental to children’s well-being. In contrast, unaffordability had little discernible link to children’s well-being. Much of the effect of poor quality and unstable housing on children was a function of parenting. The strain of living in poor-quality homes or of having to move frequently took its toll on parents, leading to symptoms of depression and anxiety.
To read the full report, visit: http://www.macfound.org/media/files/HHM_Policy_Research_Brief_-_Sept_2013.pdf