Quality green space increases social contact and happiness

The use and quality of green spaces are key factors that influence physical activity, social contacts, and emotional well-being of individuals, according to two studies published in Environment International.

Researchers at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) conducted a survey on a thousand people aged 18-75 in four European cities, Barcelona, Stoke-on-Trent, Doetinchem in the Netherlands and Kaunas in Lithuania.

The individuals were asked how frequently they visit their local green space, the distance of it from their home, the kinds of activities they engage in and how they feel when they are using the space.

It found that when residents were happy with their local green spaces, they were more likely to engage in social contact with neighbours and feel happier in the process.

Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, leader of the study and coordinator of the Urban Planning, Environment and Health Initiative at ISGlobal said: ‘Our research shows that perceived greenness, time spent in the green space, and the feeling that these spaces are important for health-related activities are factors that are associated with more time spent performing physical activity outdoors.’

‘The results showed a 19-minute increase in activity for every point increase in this category.’

‘Many earlier studies focused on quantitative measures of green spaces, such as the amount of vegetation, without taking into account the quality of the space.’

In the second study, 370 people were asked to use a smartphone to record their mood over a period of seven consecutive days, which tracked if and when they were visiting outdoor areas.

It found that that exposure to green space has a larger effect on mood during 10-minute visits than during 30-minute visits.

Mr. Nieuwenhuijsen said: ‘Both studies demonstrate that the use and quality of green spaces are key factors that influence physical activity, social contacts, and emotional well-being.’

‘We need to take these experiences into account if we want to understand what motivates people to visit green spaces.’

‘Initiatives such as involving local residents in the park design process or organising activities in urban natural environments could make these spaces even more beneficial for people’s health.’

In related news, the wellbeing of city residents would be significantly improved if there was more funding into green spaces, according to researchers from the University of Sheffield.

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