Streetscape greenery and health: Stress, social cohesion and physical activity as mediators

TLDR: This study focuses on three mechanisms through which greenery might exert its positive effect on health: stress reduction, stimulating physical activity and facilitating social cohesion.

About: This article is published in Social Science & Medicine.The article was published on 2013-10-01 and is currently open access. It has received 644 citations till now. The article focuses on the topics: Public space & Health promotion.

Figures

Fig. 1. Indirect effect on health indicators as percentage of total effect of quantity (A) and quality (B) of streetscape greenery respectively for the three mediators separately and combined.

Frequently asked questions

Q1. What have the authors contributed in "Streetscape greenery and health: stress, social cohesion and physical activity as mediators" ?

This study focuses on three mechanisms through which greenery might exert its positive effect on health: stress reduction, stimulating physical activity and facilitating social cohesion. This study builds on Van Dillen et al. ( 2012 ), which showed that especially the quantity and quality of streetscape greenery is associated with health, more so than the quantity and quality of nearby green areas. This follow-up study investigates to what extent stress, physical activity, and social cohesion mediate the relationship between streetscape greenery and health. In this study, the authors use it as an equivalent of sense of community, with a focus on trust, shared norms and values, positive and friendly relationships, and feelings of being accepted and belonging ( Forrest & Kearns, 2001 ). The present study extends the work of Sugiyama et al. ( 2008 ) ; to begin, the authors include stress as a possible mediator. However promising, more detailed knowledge on this association is needed to assess the opportunities it offers for health improvement ( Frumkin, 2013 ). Finally, the authors expect that stress, social cohesion and ( green ) physical activity will mediate the relationship between quantity and quality of greenery in urban neighbourhoods and health to a significant extent. 

Q2. How many residents were selected out of a personal mailing addresses database?

One hundred residents per neighbourhood were randomly selected out of a personal mailing addresses database of a commercial agency. 

Q3. Did quality have a significant effect on the health of the streetscape?

Although quality was more strongly related to stress than quantity, it did not have significantly added predictive value once quantity was already known. 

Q4. What is the role of social cohesion in the study?

The fact that green activity became redundant when stress and social cohesion were also included in the analysis, suggests that this contribution itself may be mediated by stress and/or social cohesion.