Nature-engagement and wellbeing in Brazil: Understanding the dose-effect relationship for designing urban green spaces

• Published in: Urban forestry & urban greening Vol. 99; p. 128443
• Main Authors: Bressane, Adriano, Loureiro, Anna Isabel Silva, César de Castro Medeiros, Líliam
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier GmbH 01-09-2024
• Subjects: Green spaces; Urban infrastructure; Urban planning, public health; Urban infrastructure; Green spaces; Urban planning, public health
• ISSN: 1618-8667
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2024.128443

In the face of increasing urbanization, the pursuit of healthy and sustainable cities promoting a high quality of life intertwined with nature is paramount.
This research endeavors to assess the impact of variations in nature interaction styles on health, with the objective of generating evidence to inform the design of urban green spaces.
Ethically approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee (CAAE 58149622.3.0000.0077), a survey involving 2136 respondents was conducted. Participants reported their nature engagement frequency, duration, and intensity, alongside mental health assessments using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Welch's ANOVA and Cohen’s d were employed to derive meaningful effect size.
This research provided empirical insights into the relationship between nature interaction and public health, thus offering evidence to inform urban green space design.
The findings are expected to empower urban planners and policymakers with evidence-based strategies for creating urban green spaces conducive to physical activities, leisure events, and nature-based recreation, promoting public health through appropriately timed and frequented activities.
Further research avenues may include longitudinal studies to assess the long-term impact of nature interaction on mental health and the implementation of evidence-based design strategies in urban green space development.
•Higher-intensity activities in nature significantly reduce mental distress.•Frequent nature contact (>3 times/week) lowers stress significantly.•At least 60–90 minutes of weekly nature contact optimizes mental health.•Young adults (18−35) show greatest mental health improvements from nature.•Women report higher mental distress reduction from nature engagement.