Author(s)

Chake Lam

Affiliation(s)

Centre for Urban Economics & Real Estate, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.

Corresponding Author

Chake Lam

ABSTRACT

Urbanization has dramatically transformed the landscapes of cities worldwide, often resulting in a decline of natural environments and an increase in stressors that negatively impact residents' mental and emotional well-being. This paper investigates the role of green spaces—such as parks, gardens, and recreational areas—in enhancing the subjective well-being of residents in urban communities. Through a mixed-methods research design, the study combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to explore how the availability and quality of green spaces influence life satisfaction, stress reduction, and social connectivity among community members. The quantitative component involves surveys distributed across diverse urban neighborhoods, assessing subjective well-being using standardized measures and evaluating green space characteristics through Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The qualitative component includes semi-structured interviews and focus groups that provide in-depth insights into residents' experiences and perceptions of green spaces. Findings indicate that access to high-quality green areas significantly contributes to improved mental health outcomes and fosters a sense of community belonging. The paper emphasizes the necessity of integrating green spaces into urban planning and policy to promote healthier, more resilient communities. By highlighting the multifaceted benefits of green spaces, this research aims to inform sustainable urban development practices that prioritize the well-being of urban residents.

KEYWORDS

Green spaces; Subjective well-being; Urban communities

CITE THIS PAPER

Chake Lam. The role of green spaces in enhancing residents' subjective well-being in urban communities. Social Science and Management. 2024, 1(1): 20-28. DOI: 10.61784/ssm3005.

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