Understanding Embodiment in Place-Health Research: Approaches, Limitations, and Opportunities

J Urban Health. 2019 Apr;96(2):289-299. doi: 10.1007/s11524-018-00336-y.

Abstract

Research on how place affects health continues to grow. Within the place-health research field, there is increasing focus on how place becomes embodied-i.e., how place-based social and environmental experiences and exposures "get under our skin" to affect physiological functioning and health. While much has been learned, currently favored place-embodiment research approaches present limitations that inhibit continued gains in understanding. This article presents a brief summary of place-health literature related to place-embodiment, highlighting common approaches. Core limitations are then discussed with an eye towards improving research going forward, highlighting mixed-method, spatially dynamic, and participatory intergenerational approaches as promising considerations.

Keywords: Allostatic load; Biometrics; Embodiment; Intergenerational research; Neighborhoods and health; Participatory research; Place and health; Qualitative methods.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biomedical Research / organization & administration*
  • Environment Design / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Research Design*
  • Stress, Physiological / physiology*