Science of Wellbeing : The Link Between Affordable Housing & Mental Health

Introduction

We’ve recently begun a series on social media called the Science of Wellbeing. In this series I take an academic article, and I break it down. The goal is to understand some of the research that is available to us about all of the different forms of wellness. This week’s article is Trajectories of Housing Affordability and Mental Health Problems: A Population-Based Cohort Study by Dotsikas, Osborn, Walters, and Dykxhoorn (2023).

For many people, housing is the biggest monthly expense. Finding and keeping housing is a challenge that many people can relate to, especially in today’s age. The findings reveal that this issue is more than just an economic challenge—it’s a significant public health concern.

Understanding the Study

The researchers examined data from over 30,000 households in the United Kingdom. The households were tracked for a period of roughly eleven years (2009-2020). In that time, they were able to create multiple groups to get a better understanding of people’s mental experiences with housing affordability. As an aside, the researchers used a threshold of 30% of one’s gross income for housing costs as the marker for what would be considered unaffordable housing. The six distinct groups illustrated how different levels of financial strain impact mental health over time.

Six groups identified in connection to their experiences with housing affordability.

Key Findings: How Housing Affordability Affects Mental Health

1. Sustained Financial Strain Leads to Worse Mental Health

Individuals who consistently struggled to afford housing reported higher levels of psychological distress. Long-term financial pressure from housing costs can contribute to chronic stress, anxiety, and even depression.

2. Past Housing Struggles Have Lingering Effects

Even when affordability issues improved, those who had experienced extended periods of financial strain still showed higher levels of mental health problems. This is evidenced by the group “High Falling”. This group had a change in financial circumstance and still showed mental health effects even when their housing costs became affordable for them. This suggests that the stress and uncertainty caused by past instability can have lasting emotional consequences.

3. Low-Income Households Are at Greater Risk

Households with lower incomes were more likely to experience persistent affordability problems, which, in turn, were associated with more severe mental health issues. This reinforces the need for policies that support economic stability and affordable housing options for vulnerable populations.

Why This Matters

The study provides critical evidence that unaffordable housing isn’t simply a financial burden, it’s a major stressor that can have serious psychological consequences. Here’s why these findings should concern policymakers, employers, and communities:

• For Individuals: If you’ve struggled with housing costs, know that the stress you feel is real and valid. Even if your physical reality changes, there could be longer lasting effects. Seeking support through mental health resources, family, or even community assistance can help in managing the impact.

• For Employers & Organizations: Employees facing housing instability may experience increased anxiety, lower productivity, and absenteeism. Workplace mental health initiatives and financial wellness programs can help support those at risk.

• For Communities & Policymakers: Addressing housing affordability through policies that expand affordable housing options, provide rental assistance, and protect tenants can help reduce mental health disparities caused by financial strain.

Final Thoughts

The research makes one thing clear: housing affordability isn’t just an economic issue, it’s a mental health issue. The long-term stress of financial instability can have lasting psychological effects, even for those who eventually find financial relief. By recognizing this connection, we can push for policies and programs that ensure housing security for all, ultimately fostering healthier individuals and communities.

Have you ever experienced stress related to housing costs? How do you think communities can better support those facing financial strain? Share your thoughts in the comments below!