Exploring the Lived Experience and Meaning of Air Pollution among Urban Residents
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Abstract
Air pollution remains a critical challenge in urban environments, with growing concerns about its multifaceted impact on public health and social well-being. While previous research has documented the epidemiological and environmental dimensions of air pollution, less is known about how urban residents personally experience and interpret these environmental threats in their everyday lives. This study was conducted with 25 participants living in Jakarta, Indonesia, a densely populated urban area. The present study addresses this gap by asking: How do individuals living in densely populated urban areas perceive and make sense of persistent air pollution, and what meanings do they attach to their experiences? Using a phenomenological approach, this research explores the lived experiences of urban residents through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that participants perceive air pollution as an omnipresent and invisible danger, profoundly influencing not only their physical health but also psychological well-being and social relationships. Residents describe diverse coping strategies, including both individual adaptation and community-based efforts, highlighting the dynamic interplay between personal meaning-making and collective resilience. By analyzing participants’ stories, the study uncovers core themes of vulnerability, adaptation, and shared responsibility, providing nuanced insight into the subjective realities of urban environmental challenges. These results suggest that studying lived experiences is essential for a comprehensive understanding of environmental health, emphasizing the need for holistic interventions that integrate psychological, social, and cultural perspectives. Future research should further examine these dimensions across diverse urban contexts to inform more effective and empathetic policy responses.
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