The Influence of Light in the Built Environment to Improve Mental Health Outcomes

Abstract

Current mental health statistics for US active duty and Veteran members justify research into the causes and remedies for those plagued with negative mental health outcomes. Recent research has suggested that the built environment is connected to our mental health. This study investigated this connection with active duty and Veteran populations across the US. A literature review was completed on what factors of light in the built environment affects mental health outcomes. An analysis of active duty and Veteran mental health symptoms and the natural light rating in their residence was completed to understand the design changes that can be implemented to positively mental health outcomes in their built environment. Finally, application of the results, the cost and benefits of designing and implementing built environment changes are discussed for positive mental health outcomes for our military personnel.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2020
Accession Number
AD1119616

Entities

People

  • Nathanael T Kohl

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Alzheimer Disease
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Department Of Defense
  • Department Of Veterans Affairs
  • Engineers
  • Health Care
  • Health Services
  • Information Processing
  • Literature Surveys
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Personnel
  • Psychology
  • Regression Analysis
  • Students
  • Surveys
  • Traumatic Stress Disorder

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

  • Mental Health of Military Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Risk Factors, Prevalence, Symptoms, and Treatment.
  • Systems Analysis and Design