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Natural Environments in University Campuses and Students’ Well-Being

Author

Listed:
  • Helena Ribeiro

    (Department of Environmental Health, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil)

  • Keila Valente de Souza Santana

    (Department of Environmental Health, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil)

  • Sofia Lizarralde Oliver

    (Department of Environmental Health, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil)

Abstract

Most recent university campuses follow the North American model, built on city limits or countryside, with large separate buildings in open green spaces. Studies suggest that the prevalence and severity of mental health issues among university students has been increasing over the past decade in most countries. University services were created to face this growing problem, however individual-based interventions have limited effects on mental health and well-being of a large population. Our aim was to verify if and how the natural environment in campuses is focused on programs to cope with the issue of mental health and well-being among students. A systematic review of literature was undertaken with search in Scopus and LILACS with the keywords “green areas” AND “well-being” AND “Campus”, following PRISMA guidelines. As a result, 32 articles were selected. Research on the topic is recent, mostly in the USA, Bulgaria, and China. Most studies used objective information on campuses’ greenness and/or university students’ perception. Mental health was usually measured by validated scores. Findings of all the studies indicated positive association between campus greenery and well-being of students. We conclude that there is a large potential for use of university campuses in programs and as sites for students’ restoration and stress relief.

Suggested Citation

  • Helena Ribeiro & Keila Valente de Souza Santana & Sofia Lizarralde Oliver, 2024. "Natural Environments in University Campuses and Students’ Well-Being," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(4), pages 1-22, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:4:p:413-:d:1365786
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kathleen L. Wolf & Sharon T. Lam & Jennifer K. McKeen & Gregory R.A. Richardson & Matilda van den Bosch & Adrina C. Bardekjian, 2020. "Urban Trees and Human Health: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-30, June.
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    3. Sebastian A. Srugo & Margaret de Groh & Ying Jiang & Howard I. Morrison & Hayley A. Hamilton & Paul J. Villeneuve, 2019. "Assessing the Impact of School-Based Greenness on Mental Health Among Adolescent Students in Ontario, Canada," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-12, November.
    4. Tassia K. Oswald & Alice R. Rumbold & Sophie G. E. Kedzior & Mark Kohler & Vivienne M. Moore, 2021. "Mental Health of Young Australians during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring the Roles of Employment Precarity, Screen Time, and Contact with Nature," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-22, May.
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    6. Alexander Karl Ferdinand Loder & Josef Gspurning & Christoph Paier & Mireille Nicoline Maria van Poppel, 2020. "Objective and Perceived Neighborhood Greenness of Students Differ in Their Agreement in Home and Study Environments," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-12, May.
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