183. Spatial reconstruction, social network changes, and residents' mental health: an empirical analysis based on urban renewal projects

Abstract Background With the rapid advancement of urbanization, urban renewal projects are proliferating. Urban renewal refers to the strategic reallocation of urban spatial resources through measures such as preservation, reconstruction, demolition, and enhancement of public infrastructure. Spatial reconstruction, a key component of urban renewal, involves adjustments to building layouts, renovations of public spaces, and upgrades to infrastructure. As living environments evolve, residents 'social connections, interaction patterns, and community cohesion also undergo corresponding changes. This study conducts field research and data analysis on actual urban renewal projects to explore how spatial reconstruction and shifts in social networks impact residents' mental health, thereby providing a scientific basis for urban renewal policy formulation. Methods This study was conducted in the Yulin area of Chengdu, targeting residents who had lived in the renovated community for at least six months. A combination of questionnaires and interviews was employed. The questionnaire used a before-and-after design to collect residents 'self-rated psychological status data before and after the community renovation, analyzing the actual impact of urban renewal projects on residents' mental health. A total of 158 questionnaires were distributed, and 15 interviews were conducted, yielding 514 behavioral data points related to residents 'mental health. Statistical analysis tools were then used to describe residents' activity patterns under spatial reconstruction, and correlation analysis was employed to verify the relationship between social network changes and mental health. Results Survey results are presented in Table 1. From Table 1, among 158 valid questionnaires, residents' average scores for community space utility improved from 3.26 ± 0.48 to 4.17 ± 0.52 (p<.01) in spatial reconstruction. Regarding social network changes, satisfaction with neighborhood interactions rose from 2.73 ± 0.91 to 3.80 ± 0.62. The mental health survey showed anxiety scores decreased from 2.86 ± 0.75 to 2.13 ± 0.64 (p<.01), while depression scores dropped from 2.65 ± 0.81 to 1.94 ± 0.55 (p<.01). Discussion After the implementation of urban renewal projects, the practicality of community spaces received high evaluations, and residents' satisfaction with neighborhood interactions significantly increased, reflecting a positive shift in residents' mindset. At the same time, under the combined effect of these factors, scores on the anxiety and depression dimensions of residents' mental health scales significantly decreased, remaining at a low level. The research results indicate that space optimization and social network reshaping in urban renewal can have a positive impact on residents' mental health, providing key insights for optimizing urban renewal policies. Future studies could compare different renewal models and, combined with long-term follow-up research, conduct an in-depth analysis of the long-term psychological effects of spatial restructuring.