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Active and Passive Use of Green Space, Health, and Well-Being amongst University Students

Author

Listed:
  • Elizabeth W. Holt

    (Department of Health Sciences, Furman University, Greenville, SC 29615, USA)

  • Quinn K. Lombard

    (Department of Health Sciences, Furman University, Greenville, SC 29615, USA)

  • Noelle Best

    (Department of Health Sciences, Furman University, Greenville, SC 29615, USA)

  • Sara Smiley-Smith

    (Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA)

  • John E. Quinn

    (Department of Biology, Furman University, Greenville, SC 29615, USA)

Abstract

Frequent exposure to green space has been linked to positive health and well-being in varying populations. Yet, there is still limited research exploring the restorative benefits associated with differing types of green space use among students living in the university setting. To address this gap, we explored green space use amongst a population of undergraduate students (n = 207) attending a university with abundant opportunities to access the restorative properties of nature. The purpose of this study was to examine the type and frequency of green space interactions that are most strongly associated with indicators of health and well-being, and investigate student characteristics associated with frequent use of green space. Results revealed that students who frequently engage with green spaces in active ways report higher quality of life, better overall mood, and lower perceived stress. Passive green space interactions were not strongly associated with indicators of health and well-being. Having had daily interactions with green space in childhood was associated with frequent green space use as a university student, and identified barriers to green space use included “not enough time,” and “not aware of opportunities” These results could assist in the tailoring of “green exercise” interventions conducted in the university setting.

Suggested Citation

  • Elizabeth W. Holt & Quinn K. Lombard & Noelle Best & Sara Smiley-Smith & John E. Quinn, 2019. "Active and Passive Use of Green Space, Health, and Well-Being amongst University Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:3:p:424-:d:202692
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    9. Jun Zhang & Jinghua Jin & Yimeng Liang, 2024. "The Impact of Green Space on University Students’ Mental Health: The Mediating Roles of Solitude Competence and Perceptual Restoration," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-28, January.
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    11. Rui Zhou & Ying-Jing Zheng & Jing-Yi Yun & Hong-Mei Wang, 2022. "The Effects of Urban Green Space on Depressive Symptoms of Mid-Aged and Elderly Urban Residents in China: Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-12, January.
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    16. Jaloliddin Rustamov & Zahiriddin Rustamov & Nazar Zaki, 2023. "Green Space Quality Analysis Using Machine Learning Approaches," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-25, May.
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    19. Hansen Li & Matthew H. E. M. Browning & Angel M. Dzhambov & Guodong Zhang & Yang Cao, 2022. "Green Space for Mental Health in the COVID-19 Era: A Pathway Analysis in Residential Green Space Users," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-18, July.

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