Roba Hirbo Shore, Biddle Stuart J H, Kolbe-Alexander Tracy
School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Australia.
Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Australia.
Health Promot J Austr. 2025 Jul;36(3):e70072. doi: 10.1002/hpja.70072.
Research in Australia has shown that green spaces enhance mental health. However, most studies focused on urban areas, leaving regional settings underexplored. This study explores the perceived role and features of green spaces in supporting the mental health and well-being of adults in regional Southeast Queensland, Australia.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 community residents aged 42-76 years from the Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) area, and two focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with eight council officers. Transcripts were analysed thematically using NVivo.
Three key themes were identified regarding the role of green spaces: stress relief and restoration, spaces for physical and social activities, and barriers to and facilitators of green space use and activity engagement. Participants described green spaces as retreats from daily demands, fostering stress recovery, emotional balance and self-reflection. Green spaces also supported physical activity and encouraged social interaction. Accessibility, perceived safety, maintenance and environmental conditions were identified as factors influencing usage and associated health benefits of green spaces.
Green space in regional settings offers multifaceted benefits for mental health and well-being, including restorative effects, opportunities for physical activity and social connection. However, accessibility, safety and seasonal challenges influence the use of green spaces and health outcomes. SO WHAT?: This study highlights the importance of green spaces for mental health in regional Australia, underscoring the need for context-specific planning and management to optimise health benefits. These findings may inform policies and interventions to enhance green space quality, accessibility and utilisation in regional contexts.
澳大利亚的研究表明，绿地能促进心理健康。然而，大多数研究集中在城市地区，区域环境尚未得到充分探索。本研究探讨了澳大利亚昆士兰州东南部地区绿地在支持成年人心理健康和幸福方面的感知作用及特征。
对来自图文巴地区议会（TRC）辖区的11名年龄在42 - 76岁的社区居民进行了半结构化访谈，并与8名议会官员进行了两次焦点小组讨论（FGD）。使用NVivo对访谈记录进行了主题分析。
确定了关于绿地作用的三个关键主题：压力缓解与恢复、体育和社交活动空间以及绿地使用和活动参与的障碍与促进因素。参与者将绿地描述为远离日常需求的场所，有助于压力恢复、情绪平衡和自我反思。绿地还支持体育活动并鼓励社交互动。可达性、感知安全性、维护和环境条件被确定为影响绿地使用及相关健康效益的因素。
区域环境中的绿地为心理健康和幸福提供了多方面的益处，包括恢复作用、体育活动和社交联系的机会。然而，可达性、安全性和季节性挑战会影响绿地的使用和健康结果。那又如何？：本研究强调了绿地对澳大利亚区域心理健康的重要性，强调需要进行因地制宜的规划和管理以优化健康效益。这些发现可能为提高区域环境中绿地质量、可达性和利用率的政策及干预措施提供参考。
