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Perceived Greenspace Exposure and Children’s Emotional Well-Being in Daily Life: Comparisons between Children Living in Urban and Rural Areas

Author

Listed:
  • Wei Cui

    (National Virtual Simulation Center for Experimental Psychology Education, Beijing Normal University)

  • Jianjie Xu

    (National Virtual Simulation Center for Experimental Psychology Education, Beijing Normal University)

  • Fenghua Tang

    (National Virtual Simulation Center for Experimental Psychology Education, Beijing Normal University)

  • Mengyu Miranda Gao

    (National Virtual Simulation Center for Experimental Psychology Education, Beijing Normal University
    Beijing Normal University)

  • Yiwen Zheng

    (National Virtual Simulation Center for Experimental Psychology Education, Beijing Normal University)

  • Donghua Zhou

    (Jinan Shunhua School)

  • Shangqing Yang

    (Jinan Shunhua School)

  • Zhuo Rachel Han

    (National Virtual Simulation Center for Experimental Psychology Education, Beijing Normal University
    Beijing Normal University)

Abstract

Greenspace exposure (including the amount of time spent, vegetation coverage, and the number of greenspace attributes) has been shown to enhance children’s well-being (including fewer emotional problems and more happiness). However, the day-to-day associations between perceived greenspace exposure and children’s emotional well-being and potential rural-urban differences remain unclear. A total of 509 children participated in this study and completed daily diaries for 14 consecutive days. Results showed that on days when children spend more time in greenspace and perceived higher vegetation coverage and more attributes in the greenspace they were exposed to, they reported greater emotional well-being on that day and the next day. Children who perceived higher vegetation coverage in greenspace they were exposed to reported greater emotional well-being than others. Furthermore, the negative associations of more greenspace attributes with same- and next-day fewer emotional problems were only significant for urban children, but not for rural children. This study revealed dynamic associations between perceived greenspace exposure and children’s daily emotional well-being, underscoring the significance of the place of residence in shaping these associations.

Suggested Citation

  • Wei Cui & Jianjie Xu & Fenghua Tang & Mengyu Miranda Gao & Yiwen Zheng & Donghua Zhou & Shangqing Yang & Zhuo Rachel Han, 2025. "Perceived Greenspace Exposure and Children’s Emotional Well-Being in Daily Life: Comparisons between Children Living in Urban and Rural Areas," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 26(5), pages 1-19, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:26:y:2025:i:5:d:10.1007_s10902-025-00899-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-025-00899-z
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