Identifying and Responding to Residents' Psychological Needs in High-Quality Spatial Planning: Promoting Mental Health and Spiritual Well-Being through Community Development
Xiaoqian WangAbstract
Objective
This study investigates the psychological needs and spiritual well-being of residents in the context of high-quality national spatial planning, with particular focus on identifying stressors and developing effective interventions to enhance mental health outcomes through improved spatial design.
Subjects and Methods
A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving 800 residents from 16 typical communities. The study combined quantitative surveys using psychological need assessment scales and mental health inventories (including the WHO-5 Well-Being Index and Perceived Stress Scale) with qualitative methods such as in-depth interviews, participatory mapping, and focus group discussions. Advanced spatial analysis and psychological statistical methods were integrated to examine the relationship between spatial characteristics, psychological need satisfaction, and mental health outcomes.
Results
The study identified six core psychological needs significantly influencing spatial planning and mental health outcomes. Among these, safety perception (β=0.72, p<0.01) and social belonging (β=0.68, p<0.01) showed the strongest correlations with residents' mental well-being. Response pathways incorporating these needs not only increased resident satisfaction by 45% compared to conventional approaches, but also contributed to a measurable improvement in overall mental health indicators. Spatial interventions designed to address these psychological needs demonstrated 30% greater long-term effectiveness in promoting sustainable community development and supporting resident mental health.
Conclusions
Integrating residents' psychological needs into spatial planning processes significantly enhances both planning quality and community well-being. The identified response pathways provide practical guidance for developing psychologically-informed spatial planning strategies that support sustainable community development and promote mental health through improved living environments.
Corresponding Author
Xiaoqian Wang, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730070, China.