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Norwegian Outdoor Happiness: Residential Outdoor Spaces and Active Leisure Time Contributions to Subjective Well-being at the National Population Level at the Start of and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Raul Grau-Ruiz

    (Volda University College)

  • Helga Synnevåg Løvoll

    (Volda University College)

  • Gunvor Marie Dyrdal

    (Norwegian University of Science and Technology)

Abstract

Accumulating research shows that residential nature reliably promotes residents’ subjective well-being (SWB) in complex ways. The present study investigates how self-reported proximity to different outdoor spaces relate to SWB in Norway. The effects of having proximity to recreation and hiking areas and the frequency of moderate-to-vigorous intensity leisure-time physical activity (MVLTPA) were estimated for five SWB measures (satisfaction with life, positive, and negative affect, mental well-being, and meaning in life). The study also estimated how outdoor spaces promote MVLTPA, and which of these relationships changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two Norwegian samples (collected in 2020 and 2021; N = 34,904) were explored using multiple linear and multinomial logistic regression analyses. Residential outdoor spaces predicted higher SWB across measures and MVLTPA frequency. Importantly, an inverted U-shaped relationship between MVLTPA and all SWB measures was found, with a tipping point coinciding with weekly MVLTPA. Last, during the pandemic, outdoor spaces became stronger predictors: hiking areas for mental well-being and meaning in life; and recreation areas for MVLTPA (p

Suggested Citation

  • Raul Grau-Ruiz & Helga Synnevåg Løvoll & Gunvor Marie Dyrdal, 2024. "Norwegian Outdoor Happiness: Residential Outdoor Spaces and Active Leisure Time Contributions to Subjective Well-being at the National Population Level at the Start of and During the COVID-19 Pandemic," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 25(1), pages 1-23, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:25:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s10902-024-00732-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-024-00732-z
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