Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127543
Document accepted manuscript
Title (Primary) Urban green space interaction and wellbeing – Investigating the experience of international students in Berlin during the first COVID-19 lockdown
Author Collins, C.; Haase, D.; Heiland, S.; Kabisch, N.
Source Titel Urban Forestry & Urban Greening
Year 2022
Department CLE; SUSOZ
Volume 70
Page From art. 127543
Language englisch
Topic T5 Future Landscapes
Keywords Mental Health; pandemic; Restoration; Stress reduction; students; Urban green space; wellbeing
Abstract This qualitative study explores the topic of mental health/wellbeing with reference to exposure to urban green space (UGS). It builds on previous research, which has highlighted the potential for green space interaction for supporting positive emotional and mental wellbeing, particularly in times of stress and uncertainty. Using this basis, the paper explores whether UGS interaction also helped to mitigate the negative mental health impacts brought about by the first COVID-19 lockdown. The specific focus is on students and expatriates living in Berlin, Germany as this population groupbecame increasingly vulnerable during this time as a result of uncertainty and restrictions in their daily lives brought about the enforced lockdown measures. More specifically, this paper investigates how a change in their daily routines created opportunities to interact with and experience UGS differently and how their emotional response and perception towards these spaces changed. Semi-structured interviews allowed for stories, experiences and emotions to unfold, which revealed that the participants’ gained an appreciation for the potential of UGS to support their wellbeing during a stressful and isolating time. UGS interaction also allowed them to form tangible memories of summer 2020 as it provided a safe arena for them to maintain social contact with friends outdoors, or to escape their home environment and experience respite and relaxation in a natural setting. The findings demonstrate that for this sub-group of the population UGS became a reliable constant and a valuable public health resource, which may also help to mitigate the long-term adverse mental health impacts of the pandemic.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=25904
Collins, C., Haase, D., Heiland, S., Kabisch, N. (2022):
Urban green space interaction and wellbeing – Investigating the experience of international students in Berlin during the first COVID-19 lockdown
Urban For. Urban Green. 70 , art. 127543 10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127543