park engagement has a stronger total effect on well-being than perceived restorativeness
Exact: β = 0.332
Park engagement has a significant total effect on psychological health and well-being
Using SEM across four park types—comprehensive, community, specialized, and pocket parks—the study found that how actively people engage with a park (park engagement) is a stronger driver of psychological well-being than simply perceiving the park as restorative. The total effect of β = 0.332 accounts for both direct and mediated pathways, including restoration experience and sustained exposure.
The results indicate that park engagement has a significant total effect (β = 0.332) on PWB, while perceived restorativeness contributes a smaller but meaningful total effect (β = 0.134).
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Alisa Nutley, 2025, Journal of Urban Design
large urban survey on biodiversity and mental well-being
Perceived biodiversity positively associated with mental health, mediated by restoration and greenspace satisfaction
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