Does place matter? Investigating the association of neighbourhood and town features with psychological distress and well-being in a multi-ethnic urban Asian youth population

In Singapore, a city-state lauded for its urban liveability, high rates of youth psychological distress present a critical paradox. This study investigates this disconnect by examining the role of neighbourhood satisfaction in relation to two distinct mental health dimensions: psychological distress (anxiety, stress, depression) and positive well-being (resilience, life satisfaction). Drawing on data from a national survey of 2600 youths aged 15–35, we analysed the associations between satisfaction with physical, social, and economic features and mental health outcomes. Youths reported high satisfaction with physical and social features, which were associated with lower probability of anxiety, stress, and depression. However, they expressed lower satisfaction with economic features (housing affordability and job prospects), which, although not significantly associated with distress, emerged as the strongest predictors of well-being outcomes, i.e., resilience and life satisfaction. The findings suggest that while a well-planned physical environment can act as a buffer against psychological distress, it is insufficient to promote a state of well-being. Social and, more critically, economic features, which are stronger determinants of life satisfaction and resilience, form an essential pillar of youths' ontological security. This study challenges universal liveability metrics and concludes that urban policy must move beyond physical planning to address the foundational social environment and economic conditions that enable young people to thrive. • Examines associations between neighbourhood features and mental health outcomes. • Youths report high satisfaction with safety, green spaces, and public areas. • Satisfaction with physical features mitigates distress, while that with economic features fosters well-being. • Economic precarity threatens ontological security and hinders youth flourishing.