Abstract
The physical environment in which individuals live has important implications for their access to resources and services. The current study examined the role of several features of neighborhoods, such as perceived walkability and neighborhood appearance, in promoting recreational wellbeing, and resulting in impacts on physical wellbeing, happiness, and life satisfaction of residents. Survey responses (N = 1392) were collected in two distinct geographical areas and, using structural equation modeling, relationships between neighborhood physical environments and resident outcomes were explored. Results indicated perceived walkability (access to services) and neighborhood appearance (upkeep and attractiveness) played a significant role in increasing recreational wellbeing. Also, recreational wellbeing was positively related to individuals’ physical wellbeing. Lastly, physical wellbeing was positively associated with happiness and life satisfaction. Together, these findings suggest community planners could use several practical neighborhood improvements to improve the overall health, happiness, and life satisfaction of their residents.
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07 March 2018
The original version for this paper unfortunately contained errors in the Author group, affiliation, and in the abstract.
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This work was supported by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea and the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF-2016S1A3A2924563).
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The original version of this article was revised: Modifications have been made in the Author group, affiliation, and in the abstract. Full information regarding corrections made can be found in the correction article for this article.
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Kwon, M., Pickett, A.C., Lee, Y. et al. Neighborhood Physical Environments, Recreational Wellbeing, and Psychological Health. Applied Research Quality Life 14, 253–271 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11482-018-9591-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11482-018-9591-6