Urban environment and the psyche of citizens – mutual reflection

Authors

  • Muhammad Abdallah Al-Hmoud Frederick University
  • Anna Merry Frederick University
  • Diab Ghazi Naouri Petra University
  • Amin Ababneh National Centre of Mental Health

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51461/issn.2309-3072/84.2556

Keywords:

urbanization, psychology, traditional Arab culture, westernization, urban environment

Abstract

Global urbanization is forcing large numbers of people to move from traditional ways of life to life in a modern city. Powerful information flows and urban dynamics contribute to the development of mental disorders. The structure of the traditional Arab city prevented the growth of mental overload. As a result, the stigmatisation of mental disorders – treating them as a curse or a contagious disease – has taken root in traditional Arab culture. The westernisation of modern Arab cities has been accompanied by the dual effects of simultaneously increasing mental overload and eroding its stigmatisation.

How to Cite

Al-Hmoud, M. A., Merry , A., Ghazi Naouri, D., & Ababneh, A. (2025). Urban environment and the psyche of citizens – mutual reflection. Project Baikal, 22(84), 106–110. https://doi.org/10.51461/issn.2309-3072/84.2556

Published

2025-07-18

Issue

Section

refereed articles

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