Perceived urban environment elements associated with momentary and long-term well-being: An experience sampling...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Psychology
• Urban Planning
• Public Health

Background:

• Well-being (WB) encompasses long-term (LWB) and momentary (MWB) aspects, extending beyond physical health.
• Existing research links environment to LWB, but the connection to MWB is less understood.
• The WHO defines well-being broadly, highlighting the need to explore environmental influences on both LWB and MWB.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between perceived environmental characteristics and both momentary and long-term well-being.
• To identify specific environmental elements that positively or negatively influence immediate mood and overall life satisfaction.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for urban design that supports residents' psychological and emotional health.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the experience sampling method (ESM) to collect real-time data from adult participants in Kashiwa-no-ha, Japan.
• Collected data on participants' location, perceived environmental characteristics, momentary well-being (mood), and long-term well-being (life satisfaction).
• Employed structural equation modeling to analyze correlations between environmental factors and different aspects of well-being.

Main Results:

• Relaxing/clean (0.56) and natural environments (0.14) were strongly associated with higher momentary well-being (MWB).
• Urban elements like cafés/restaurants/bars (0.11) and public spaces (0.11) were linked to higher long-term well-being (LWB).
• Vibrant environments (-0.14) and being on the move (-0.11) were associated with lower MWB, while cultural/sports/educational facilities (0.06) and vibrant (0.15) urban settings correlated with LWB.

Conclusions:

• Momentary well-being is influenced by immediate surroundings, with natural and relaxing environments being particularly beneficial.
• Long-term well-being is associated with access to urban amenities like cultural facilities, cafés, and public spaces.
• Urban planning should integrate elements that foster positive mood and life satisfaction, such as parks, cafés, and well-designed transportation infrastructure, to enhance overall resident well-being.