Physiological and psychological health benefits of urban green space
This study explores the physiological and psychological effects of urban green space by using stress as a determinant of well-being. This study also aims to provide scientific evidence supporting the use of urban green space as a method to relieve stress. The subjects of this study were 20 mal...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2017
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/75806/1/FH%202018%208%20-%20IR.pdf |
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| Summary: | This study explores the physiological and psychological effects of urban green
space by using stress as a determinant of well-being. This study also aims to
provide scientific evidence supporting the use of urban green space as a method
to relieve stress. The subjects of this study were 20 male students which their
homogeneity was controlled. The study area chosen for this study was Taman
Botani Perdana, Kuala Lumpur and Jalan Bukit Bintang was used as a control
area. The first day the participants went to Taman Botani Perdana and on the
second day to Jalan Bukit Bintang. Participants were asked to walk along a given
route in both areas in which the time was set similarly in both areas (20 minutes).
Saliva samples were collected before and after walking in both areas along with
blood pressure measurements. In addition, psychometric tests namely the Profile
of Mood States (POMS), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS),
Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Restoration Outcome Scale were done to
identify the psychological effects of urban green space use. The results indicated
that salivary cortisol concentration levels among participants in the urban green
space is significantly lower than the participants in the city. Blood pressure
readings also showed a significant decrease in value among participants in UGS
for diastolic pressure. In the Restoration Outcome Scale (ROS), participants in
the UGS setting reported a higher score for all six statements in the scale
compared to the City setting with a significance of p < 0.01. The POMS test
indicated a clear distinction between the restorative effects of urban green space
and city as the Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) of participants in the urban green
space showed negative in value while participants in the city showed positive
TMD. Perceived Stress scores in the urban green space is significantly higher in
mean value compared to the city setting in both before and after period. When
summing the scores of positive and negative subscales of the PANAS test, a
significant difference can be found at the city setting for both positive and
negative subscales. Positive attitudes decreased while negative attitudes
increased after walking in the city. In the UGS setting however, only positive
attitudes increased. |
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