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How Do Urban Walking Environments Impact Pedestrians’ Experience and Psychological Health? A Systematic Review

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  • Catherine Sundling

    (Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Södertörn University, Alfred Nobels Allé 7, 141 89 Huddinge, Sweden
    Department of Occupational Health Sciences and Psychology, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden)

  • Marianne Jakobsson

    (Department of Occupational Health Sciences and Psychology, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden)

Abstract

Daily walks are recommended for health gains, and walkable urban environments are recommended as one strategy to combat climate change. Evidence of the relationship between physical environments and psychological health is increasing. The aim of this study was to systematically review and compile evidence regarding micro-scale characteristics in urban outdoor environments that impacted pedestrian short-term experience and/or long-term psychological health. The databases ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, PsychInfo, and Google Scholar were used. To explore the area, a large heterogeneity in publications was allowed; therefore, it was not possible to conduct a meta-analysis. From 63 publications, data items were extracted from full text and categorized according to the main study characteristics. Environmental characteristics impacting pedestrians psychologically were identified and categorized into themes: grey, green, blue, and white areas, and weather, temporalities, topography, person factors, and safety. Environmental factors were analyzed from the perspective of the circumplex model of human affect (negative/positive dimensions and activation/deactivation). The findings included the fact that urban pedestrians need both positively activating and deactivating (restorative) areas during walkabouts. Perceived safety is essential for experiencing the positive aspects of urban environments. Some characteristics interact differently or have different importance for health in different groups. To further develop research on pedestrian environments, psychological experiences should be included.

Suggested Citation

  • Catherine Sundling & Marianne Jakobsson, 2023. "How Do Urban Walking Environments Impact Pedestrians’ Experience and Psychological Health? A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-32, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:14:p:10817-:d:1190738
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Das, Priyanka & Maitra, Swati, 2024. "Priority areas of intervention for improving pedestrian infrastructure and facilities at tourist destinations in India," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 145(C), pages 126-136.
    2. Eduard Alexandru Dumitru & Rozi Liliana Berevoianu & Valentina Constanta Tudor & Florina-Ruxandra Teodorescu & Dalila Stoica & Andreea Giucă & Diana Ilie & Cristina Maria Sterie, 2023. "Climate Change Impacts on Vegetable Crops: A Systematic Review," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-18, September.
    3. Kuntong Huang & Taiyang Wang & Xueshun Li & Ruinan Zhang & Yu Dong, 2024. "Predicting and Optimizing Restorativeness in Campus Pedestrian Spaces based on Vision Using Machine Learning and Deep Learning," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-26, August.

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