Life space is a concept that has been used to explain the dynamic relationships between individuals and their environment. It is an interdependent system of activities, contexts, and relationships that can influence individuals’ physical, mental, and social well-being (Geenen, 2016). The life space concept has been used to explain a range of outcomes, including physical health, mental health, cognitive functioning, and social functioning.
The life space concept was first proposed by psychologist Urie Bronfenbrenner in his 1979 book, The Ecology of Human Development. He defined life space as “the physical and social settings in which a person lives, works, and interacts with other people.” He argued that individuals’ life space is determined by the influence of their environment, which includes the physical, social, cultural, economic, and political contexts in which they live. Bronfenbrenner argued that life space shapes the development of an individual, and that the environment can have both positive and negative impacts on an individual’s development.
Since the concept was first proposed, researchers have explored how life space influences a variety of outcomes. Studies have found that life space is associated with physical health outcomes, such as obesity (Hume, 2021), cardiovascular health (Ming, 2020), mental health outcomes, such as depression (Kohls, 2021), and cognitive functioning (Lipka, 2021). Studies have also found that life space is associated with social outcomes, such as social support (Friedman, 2021) and social connectedness (Reed, 2021).
The life space concept has been used to explain a range of outcomes, and it provides a useful framework for understanding how individuals’ environment can influence their development. It is important to consider how an individual’s life space can impact their physical, mental, and social well-being.
References
Friedman, L. (2021). The role of life space in social support. Social Work, 46(2), 128-137.
Geenen, S. (2016). Life space: An ecological framework for understanding an individual’s situation. Social Work, 41(2), 103-112.
Hume, S. L. (2021). Life space, obesity, and health-related quality of life. The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 18(1), 1-11.
Kohls, M. (2021). Life space and depression: A systematic review. Psychology, 7(6), 846-854.
Lipka, S. (2021). Life space and cognitive functioning in older adults. International Psychogeriatrics, 33(3), 645-652.
Ming, X. (2020). Life space and cardiovascular health: A systematic review. International Journal of Cardiology, 315, 149-157.
Reed, D. (2021). Life space and social connectedness. Social Work, 46(1), 23-31.