The global population is experiencing a significant shift toward urbanization, with 50% of the world’s population residing in urban areas by 2020, compared to just 25% in 1950. While urbanization presents numerous socioeconomic opportunities, it has also brought about profound environmental changes and consequential socioeconomic outcomes. Additionally, research has underscored a compelling connection between urban living and psychosocial disorders. For instance, various studies indicate that urban residents face an elevated risk of experiencing conditions such as schizophrenia, stress, and distress compared to their rural counterparts. In recent times, stakeholders have become increasingly aware of the intricate interplay between humans and their environments, encompassing natural, physical, and sociocultural elements, and how these factors impact human health and overall well-being.

Existing literature emphasizes the multifaceted nature of the factors contributing to the growing burden of mental health disorders in urban areas. Studies have identified key elements, including traffic congestion, noise pollution, and urban development, as significant contributors to the prevalence of these disorders. Furthermore, increasing disparities in socioeconomic conditions, coupled with issues related to security and housing, have emerged as critical determinants affecting the mental well-being of urban residents. However, it is noteworthy that much of the existing research tends to examine these factors in isolation, often failing to consider the intricate interplay within the urban environment. This oversight leaves unexplored the synergistic effects of these stressors and their collective contribution to the onset of mental disorders among urban populations.

The proposed study aims to expand the frontiers of Environmental Stress Theory by examining spatial and temporal dynamics of urban stress and its contributing factors. Specifically, our research investigates how a complex interplay of environmental and psychosocial factors contributes to stress and other mental health disorders among urban residents. Our study centres on two distinct urban contexts: New York City and Accra, Ghana, with the goal of gaining a comprehensive understanding of the unique dynamics at play in each location. We propose a big data approach, leveraging environmental remote sensing in conjunction with the power of public participatory Geographic Information Systems (GIS) through crowdsourcing, and tracking individuals using advanced wearable sensors. This approach enables us to discern and pinpoint stress-inducing locations within the vibrant urban landscapes of New York and Accra, Ghana

 

New York Pilot Study in June – September 2024

Mapping Urban Stress: Sensor-based Micro-Level Observation in New York City

While the preceding work examines the spatial variation of urban stress and its correlation with psychosocial and environmental dimensions, there remains a knowledge gap in translating this information from a macro to a micro level (e.g., community, street, public space). Although “micro” urban public spaces, such as streets, plazas, and parks, are recognized for their significance in human mental health, few studies have specifically explored human stress and environmental stressors at the micro level of urban spaces, including on-site assessments of stressful locations. Given the characteristics of micro-level urban spaces, this project proposes a practical and feasible method to co-assess health and the environment by integrating portable environmental monitoring sensors and multiple wearable sensors into a comprehensive package.

With the advancement of sensing and wearable technology, biosensors have become instrumental in tracking individuals’ biological, physical, and behavioral information. Prior research suggests that biosensors can effectively detect human stress, with findings indicating an association between the stress response and increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, heightened galvanic skin response (GSR), and decreased finger temperature. Additionally, low-cost sensors for environmental monitoring carried by individuals offer a solution for self-tracking exposure to environmental stressors, including noise, temperature, light, air pollutants, and wind and solar radiation. Despite the increasing use of wearable sensors in environmental and health studies, no previous study has adequately considered the generalization of local-level findings. Thus, this study aims to establish a connection between citywide crowdsourcing insights and local-level innovation for urban health improvement.

In this pilot study, using New York City as a case, we propose the integration of multiple sensors to examine the association between micro-level urban characteristics and human physiological stress in different locations. This approach aims to link local-level findings with the global-level urban assessment, exploring the potential for generalizing urban stress characteristics across the entire city for a comprehensive understanding.

Call for volunteers 

Are you interested in this sensor-based micro-level measurement study? We are looking for participants who live in New York City and would like to join us in learning more about urban health and how to make cities healthier. 

Interested people can register your participation here. We are looking forward to meeting with you.