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Well-Being and Influencing Factors in Urban Ecological Recreation Spaces: A Human–Nature Interaction Perspective

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  • Jiaxiao Feng

    (College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
    Wuhan Branch of China Tourism Academy, Wuhan 430079, China
    Hubei Tourism Research Institute, Wuhan 430079, China)

  • Chen Cao

    (College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
    Wuhan Branch of China Tourism Academy, Wuhan 430079, China
    Hubei Tourism Research Institute, Wuhan 430079, China)

  • Huafang Qiao

    (College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
    Wuhan Branch of China Tourism Academy, Wuhan 430079, China
    Hubei Tourism Research Institute, Wuhan 430079, China)

  • Shuangyu Xie

    (College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
    Wuhan Branch of China Tourism Academy, Wuhan 430079, China
    Hubei Tourism Research Institute, Wuhan 430079, China)

Abstract

Urban ecological recreational space (UERS), as essential provider of ecosystem services, play a crucial role in enhancing human well-being. Nevertheless, limited research has investigated how various types of human–nature interaction influence well-being. This study takes the Hankou waterfront as the research area, using a questionnaire survey of 318 recreationists. A five-dimension well-being scale and interaction type classification were developed. Mean analysis, one-way ANOVA, and stepwise multiple regression were conducted to assess well-being and influencing factors. Results show that mental health had the highest score, while survival security scored the lowest. NDVI positively influenced all well-being dimensions, while fitness facilities and higher education levels showed negative effects. Recreationists engaged in outdoor work-oriented activities experienced higher levels of physical, mental, and self-actualization well-being than sightseeing- or socially oriented users. These findings expand the theoretical understanding of UERS by incorporating human–nature interaction patterns and offer practical guidance for sustainable urban planning.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiaxiao Feng & Chen Cao & Huafang Qiao & Shuangyu Xie, 2025. "Well-Being and Influencing Factors in Urban Ecological Recreation Spaces: A Human–Nature Interaction Perspective," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-26, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:6:p:1175-:d:1667295
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    References listed on IDEAS

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