The effect of park quality on health benefits: mediating roles of behavioral patterns.
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| Title: | The effect of park quality on health benefits: mediating roles of behavioral patterns. |
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| Authors: | Qin, Wenyong1,2 (AUTHOR), Chiang, Yen-Cheng3 (AUTHOR) ycchiang@mail.ncyu.edu.tw |
| Source: | Landscape & Ecological Engineering. Apr2026, Vol. 22 Issue 2, p303-320. 18p. |
| Subject Terms: | *Park use, *Park maintenance, *Psychological well-being, *Urban parks, *Public health |
| Abstract: | Although park quality has been linked to health outcomes, the behavioral mechanisms through which specific park attributes translate into distinct health benefits remain insufficiently understood. Guided by an integrated environment–behavior–health framework, this study examines whether and how park-use behaviors mediate associations between multidimensional park quality and self-reported health benefits. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of park users in five urban parks in Changzhou City, yielding 220 valid questionnaires collected through convenience sampling. Respondents reported perceived park quality across four dimensions (natural features, facilities, amenities, and maintenance), park-use behaviors (static, dynamic, and passing), and perceived health benefits. Results indicated behavior-specific mediation patterns. Static behaviors (e.g., sitting and relaxing) mediated the associations of natural features and maintenance with psychological restoration, including vitality and emotional well-being. Dynamic behaviors (e.g., exercising) mediated the relationship between amenities and attention restoration as well as fatigue reduction. In contrast, passing behavior showed no significant mediating effect. By identifying attribute-specific and behavior-specific indirect pathways, this study extends prior evidence beyond direct environment–health links and provides empirical support for the differentiated mediating role of park-use behavior. The findings offer actionable implications for park planning and design aimed at facilitating diverse health-promoting activities and, in turn, improving public health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Database: | Energy & Power Source |
| Abstract: | Although park quality has been linked to health outcomes, the behavioral mechanisms through which specific park attributes translate into distinct health benefits remain insufficiently understood. Guided by an integrated environment–behavior–health framework, this study examines whether and how park-use behaviors mediate associations between multidimensional park quality and self-reported health benefits. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of park users in five urban parks in Changzhou City, yielding 220 valid questionnaires collected through convenience sampling. Respondents reported perceived park quality across four dimensions (natural features, facilities, amenities, and maintenance), park-use behaviors (static, dynamic, and passing), and perceived health benefits. Results indicated behavior-specific mediation patterns. Static behaviors (e.g., sitting and relaxing) mediated the associations of natural features and maintenance with psychological restoration, including vitality and emotional well-being. Dynamic behaviors (e.g., exercising) mediated the relationship between amenities and attention restoration as well as fatigue reduction. In contrast, passing behavior showed no significant mediating effect. By identifying attribute-specific and behavior-specific indirect pathways, this study extends prior evidence beyond direct environment–health links and provides empirical support for the differentiated mediating role of park-use behavior. The findings offer actionable implications for park planning and design aimed at facilitating diverse health-promoting activities and, in turn, improving public health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 18601871 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s11355-026-00712-w |
