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Waterscapes for Promoting Mental Health in the General Population

Author

Listed:
  • Xindi Zhang

    (Department of Landscape Architecture, Gold Mantis School of Architecture, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
    These authors contribute equally to this work.)

  • Yixin Zhang

    (Department of Landscape Architecture, Gold Mantis School of Architecture, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
    China-Portugal Belt and Road Cooperation Laboratory of Cultural Heritage Conservation Science, Research Center of Landscape Protection and Ecological Restoration, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
    Collaborative Innovation Center of Architecture and Urban Environment of Soochow University-Suzhou Yuanke, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
    These authors contribute equally to this work.)

  • Jun Zhai

    (Department of Landscape Architecture, Gold Mantis School of Architecture, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
    Collaborative Innovation Center of Architecture and Urban Environment of Soochow University-Suzhou Yuanke, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China)

  • Yongfa Wu

    (China-Portugal Belt and Road Cooperation Laboratory of Cultural Heritage Conservation Science, Research Center of Landscape Protection and Ecological Restoration, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
    Collaborative Innovation Center of Architecture and Urban Environment of Soochow University-Suzhou Yuanke, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China)

  • Anyuan Mao

    (Department of Landscape Architecture, Gold Mantis School of Architecture, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
    Collaborative Innovation Center of Architecture and Urban Environment of Soochow University-Suzhou Yuanke, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China)

Abstract

The WHO estimates that, with the development of urbanization, 25% of the population is suffering from psychological and mental distress. Preliminary evidence has suggested that aquatic environments and riparian areas, i.e., waterscapes, can benefit psychological and mental wellbeing. The aim of this study was to identify the processes of waterscape psychological and mental health promotion through aliterature review. We propose a design framework of waterscapes for achieving psychological and mental health in the general population that often visits waterscapes, which has the function of therapeutic landscapes through values of accessibility, versatility, habitats, and biodiversity. According to theories, waterscapes can improve psychological and mental health to divert negative emotions through mitigation (e.g., reduced urban heat island), instoration (e.g., physical activity and state of nature connectedness), and restoration (e.g., reduced anxiety/attentional fatigue). By accessing water (e.g., streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and the coast) and riparian areas, people can get in close contact with nature and spend more time in activities (e.g., walking, exploring, talking, and relaxing). Waterscapes with healing effects can enhance psychological resilience to promote people’s psychological and mental health. Future research should focus on ensuring an adequate supply of waterscapes and promoting the efficiency of waterscape ecosystem services on mental health. Moreover, fora deep understanding of the complexity of nature–human health associations, it is necessary to explore more consistent evidence for therapeutic waterscapes considering the characteristics and functional mechanisms of waterscape quality, in terms of freshness, luminescence, rippling or fluidity, and cultural value, to benefit public health and biodiversity conservation.

Suggested Citation

  • Xindi Zhang & Yixin Zhang & Jun Zhai & Yongfa Wu & Anyuan Mao, 2021. "Waterscapes for Promoting Mental Health in the General Population," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-15, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:22:p:11792-:d:676051
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Madeline T. Wade & Jason P. Julian & Kevin S. Jeffery & Sarah M. Davidson, 2023. "A Participatory Approach to Assess Social Demand and Value of Urban Waterscapes: A Case Study in San Marcos, Texas, USA," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-39, May.

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