Built environment - the secret recipe for mental health healing and recovery: a literature review

PurposeIn the context of urbanization, mental health disorders are becoming an increasing presence that cannot be ignored. It has been discovered that the built environment can influence mental health; however, the relationship between the two is complex, and previous studies lack a general overview of the two. Consequently, this study examines built environment and mental health through a literature review to provide a comprehensive overview and recommendations for psychological health planning in relation to the built environment.Design/methodology/approachThis literature review includes bibliometric analysis and narrative synthesis. Additionally, meta-analysis has been employed to scrutinize the relationship between built environment elements and mental health effects.FindingsThe bibliometric analysis reveals that "health equity" and "healthy aging" have prompted a new wave of research in this field, with the meso- and micro-environment becoming the main focus. Based on the keywords, a narrative synthesis is conducted to identify the influence mechanism, the spatial definition of built environment provides the foundation for the identification of impact elements, the influence of built environment on mental health is realized both directly and indirectly, and diverse methods of data acquisition and analysis offer the basis for exploration and research.Originality/valueUltimately, six optimization strategies and four modular planning recommendations are proposed to improve built environment practices to mitigate mental health problems, strengthen public psychological resilience and help achieve the sustainable development goal of health and well-being.