Journal of Natural Environment

Assessment of nature-based solutions for enhancing psychological comfort with emphasis on gender and age group perceptions (Case study: El-Goli garden, Tabriz)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

2 Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Planning and Environmental Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

10.22059/jne.2024.384857.2724

Abstract

Urban living and its increasing distance from nature and green spaces have exacerbated psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and mental fatigue. In this context, nature-based solutions have emerged as an innovative and effective approach to mitigating the negative effects of urban life and enhancing psychological well-being. This study aims to assess the perceptions of different age and gender groups toward nature-based scenarios (native and adaptable plant species with an emphasis on the aesthetic form of the canopy) in El-Goli Garden, Tabriz. The research is quantitative and employs a researcher-designed visual questionnaire for data collection. In the questionnaire, eight visual scenarios were presented in order: three scenarios with single-species plantings, namely, Acer Pseudoplatanus, Ulmus densa, and Pinus eldarica; four scenarios with mixed-species plantings; and finally, the current scenario. The statistical population consisted of citizens who frequented El-Goli Garden. The required sample size was estimated at 384 individuals using Cochran's formula, and data were collected through convenience sampling by distributing online questionnaires via social media. Overall, among the research scenarios, the combined scenario of the Ulmus densa and the Pinus eldarica, with a correlation coefficient of 0.515 (Spearman's test) and a mean rank of 5.84 (Friedman's test), showed the greatest impact on psychological comfort. Additionally, older individuals showed a preference for single-species scenarios, while younger individuals preferred the opposite. From the perspective of gender differences, women had a greater preference for combined scenarios, while men found single-planting scenarios more desirable. Therefore, the findings of this research underscore the significance of taking demographic differences into account when planning urban green spaces, in order to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of all residents, as well as to accommodate a larger number of visitors.

Keywords

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Journal of Natural Environment
Volume 77, Issue 3
December 2024
Pages 551-563