The Perceived Role of Green Spaces on Mental Well-Being in Adults Living in Regional Communities: A Qualitative Study

IF 1.4 4区医学 Q3 PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

Health Promotion Journal of Australia Pub Date : 2025-07-10 DOI:10.1002/hpja.70072

Hirbo Shore Roba, Stuart J. H. Biddle, Tracy Kolbe-Alexander

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Issue Addressed

Research in Australia has shown that green spaces enhance mental health. However, most studies focused on urban areas, leaving regional settings underexplored. This study explores the perceived role and features of green spaces in supporting the mental health and well-being of adults in regional Southeast Queensland, Australia.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 community residents aged 42–76 years from the Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) area, and two focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with eight council officers. Transcripts were analysed thematically using NVivo.

Results

Three key themes were identified regarding the role of green spaces: stress relief and restoration, spaces for physical and social activities, and barriers to and facilitators of green space use and activity engagement. Participants described green spaces as retreats from daily demands, fostering stress recovery, emotional balance and self-reflection. Green spaces also supported physical activity and encouraged social interaction. Accessibility, perceived safety, maintenance and environmental conditions were identified as factors influencing usage and associated health benefits of green spaces.

Conclusion

Green space in regional settings offers multifaceted benefits for mental health and well-being, including restorative effects, opportunities for physical activity and social connection. However, accessibility, safety and seasonal challenges influence the use of green spaces and health outcomes.

So What?

This study highlights the importance of green spaces for mental health in regional Australia, underscoring the need for context-specific planning and management to optimise health benefits. These findings may inform policies and interventions to enhance green space quality, accessibility and utilisation in regional contexts.

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区域社区成人绿地对心理健康的感知作用：一项定性研究

澳大利亚的研究表明，绿地可以促进心理健康。然而，大多数研究集中在城市地区，对区域环境的探索不足。本研究探讨了澳大利亚昆士兰东南部地区的绿色空间在支持成年人心理健康和福祉方面的作用和特征。方法采用半结构化访谈法对图温巴地区议会（TRC） 11名42 ~ 76岁的社区居民进行访谈，并与8名议会官员进行两次焦点小组讨论（fgd）。使用NVivo对转录本进行主题分析。结果确定了关于绿地作用的三个关键主题：缓解和恢复压力，体育和社会活动空间，以及绿色空间使用和活动参与的障碍和促进因素。参与者将绿色空间描述为逃避日常需求、促进压力恢复、情绪平衡和自我反思的场所。绿色空间还支持体育活动，鼓励社会互动。可达性、可感知的安全性、维护和环境条件被确定为影响绿地使用和相关健康效益的因素。区域环境中的绿地为心理健康和福祉提供了多方面的好处，包括恢复作用、身体活动和社会联系的机会。然而，可达性、安全性和季节性挑战影响了绿色空间的使用和健康结果。那又怎样?这项研究强调了澳大利亚地区绿色空间对心理健康的重要性，强调了根据具体情况进行规划和管理以优化健康效益的必要性。这些发现可以为政策和干预提供信息，以提高区域环境下的绿色空间质量、可达性和利用率。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Health Promotion Journal of Australia PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH-

CiteScore

3.10

自引率

10.50%

发文量

115

期刊介绍： The purpose of the Health Promotion Journal of Australia is to facilitate communication between researchers, practitioners, and policymakers involved in health promotion activities. Preference for publication is given to practical examples of policies, theories, strategies and programs which utilise educational, organisational, economic and/or environmental approaches to health promotion. The journal also publishes brief reports discussing programs, professional viewpoints, and guidelines for practice or evaluation methodology. The journal features articles, brief reports, editorials, perspectives, "of interest", viewpoints, book reviews and letters.