Work

Mental Health and Wellbeing in Cohousing Communities: An Ethnographically Informed Approach

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Loneliness and social isolation are growing public health concerns. Conversely, community membership is associated with reduced mortality risk and ameliorates mental distress. This paper explores how residents of a self-governing cohousing community, comprised of private dwellings and common spaces, understand the impact of community living on their mental health and well-being. An ethnographically informed method is used. Data is analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and comprises fieldnote observations of a community, semi-structured interviews, and relevant community documentation. Four themes were generated: (1) Social Pollination: How a Community Protects, (2) Finding Your Tribe: Meaning and Purpose in Cohousing, (3) Deconstructing Defensible Spaces, (4) Conflict and Tension in a Social World. Residents benefitted from a strong sense of meaning and identity, support when experiencing distress or raising children, and increased security from a sharing economy. Perceived social burdens, conflict, and distress are experienced and mitigated by resolution processes.

Source: Journal of Community Psychology

DOI: 10.1002/jcop.70100

Authors: Jake Maxwell Watts, Terry Hanley, Erica Burman

Institution: University of Manchester

Language: English

Topic: Collaborative and Sustainable Housing Initiatives

Subfield: Urban Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,730