Faculty Publications

The Relationship Between Perceived Greenness And Perceived Restorativeness Of University Campuses And Student-Reported Quality Of Life

Document Type

Article

Keywords

campus, green space, perceived restorativeness, quality of life, students, university

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Environment and Behavior

Volume

48

Issue

10

First Page

1292

Last Page

1308

Abstract

University students are exposed to many stressors, necessitating opportunities for restoration. Research has indicated that actual experiences in nearby green spaces are associated with restorative psychological and physiological health benefits. However, the perception of greenness and restorativeness of environments might also impact health outcomes. Can green campus spaces provide restorative potential to university students? Do students perceive the greenness and restorative benefits? To explore these questions, students at three universities (convenience sample) were surveyed with items on perceived greenness of campus, perceived restorativeness of campus, and the World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Scale. Results indicate that those with higher perceived campus greenness report greater quality of life, a pathway significantly and partially mediated by perceived campus restorativeness. Future research should help identify effective ways in which university green spaces can be developed as health resources for students.

Department

School of Applied Human Sciences

Original Publication Date

12-1-2016

DOI of published version

10.1177/0013916515598200

Repository

UNI ScholarWorks, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa

Language

en

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