The natural environment shapes human psychology and behavior, which depend on social stimuli and environmental factors. Ecological imbalance caused by human behavior can seriously impact mental well-being, but nature can also positively influence well-being.
Peng, C., & Yamashita, K. (2016). Effects of the coastal environment on well-being. Journal of Coastal Zone Management, 19(2), 1000421.
Key Points
- Living near the coast in Japan is associated with higher positive psychological effects and lower negative effects compared to inland areas.
- Coastal environments have a stronger positive influence on females than males. Negative effects are weaker for females living near the ocean.
- The younger, middle-aged, and elderly living near the coast all experienced more positive effects than inland counterparts, with the strongest benefits for the elderly.
- Limitations include the assumption of all relevant variables and need for a larger sample size.
Rationale
Nature and blue spaces like aquatic environments are known to provide psychological benefits and promote wellbeing (Barton & Pretty, 2010; White et al., 2010).
Living near the coast has been linked to better general and mental health (Wheeler et al., 2012; White et al., 2013).
Visits to coastal environments are associated with feelings of restoration and stress reduction (White et al., 2013).
This study examines how living near the coast in Japan impacts wellbeing across genders and age groups to further our understanding of the effects of coastal proximity.
Method
The researchers administered questionnaires to 518 residents of two housing areas in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan – one coastal area and one inland.
Participants responded to questions about their gender, age, ocean views from home, and a psychological effects inventory.
Procedure
Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire that was mailed to randomly selected residents in the coastal and non-coastal areas.
The researchers assumed consent if participants returned the completed questionnaire.
Sample
Out of 518 participants, 301 (58%) had ocean views and 217 (42%) did not. The sample included both males and females. Age was categorized into younger (10s-30s), middle-aged (40s-50s) and elderly (60s-70s).
Measures
The psychological effects inventory included 28 question items classified into five subscales:
- Passage of time (5 items)
- Magnitude and awe (6 items)
- Peace of mind (7 items)
- Charm and longing (5 items)
- Threat (5 items)
Responses were on a 5-point Likert scale. Four subscales measured positive effects while one measured negative effects.
Statistical Analysis
One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD post-hoc analysis were used to compare inventory scores between coastal/non-coastal residents overall, by gender, and by age group. Significance level was set at p<0.05 and p<0.01.
Results
- Coastal residents scored significantly higher on magnitude and awe (p<0.05), peace of mind, charm and longing, and lower on threat (p<0.01) compared to non-coastal.
- Both genders were significantly influenced, but females had stronger positive and weaker negative effects than males.
- All age groups living on the coast had more positive effects than inland counterparts, with the strongest benefits for the elderly.
Insight
This study provides evidence that living near the coast in Japan is associated with greater psychological wellbeing compared to inland areas. The benefits appear strongest for females and the elderly.
Proximity to the sea seems to enhance positive emotions like peace and charm while reducing threat and stress.
The findings align with previous research on the restorative effects of blue spaces and expand our knowledge of how coastal living impacts different demographics.
Future studies could examine other relevant variables and use larger samples.
Strengths
- The comparison of coastal and inland residents
- Examination of effects by gender and age group
- Use of a validated psychological effects inventory
Limitations
- The study was geographically limited to Hyogo Prefecture in Japan
- The sample sizes were unbalanced for age groups
- Potentially relevant variables were not all accounted for. A larger overall sample size could improve generalizability
Clinical Implications
The results suggest that coastal environments could be utilized to enhance public psychological health and wellbeing. Incorporating characteristics of coastal areas into inland environments may elicit some of the same benefits.
Interventions encouraging people to spend time by the sea could be tailored to different genders and age groups for maximum effect.
Variables like the type of coastal environment and time spent there could influence outcomes.
References
Primary reference
Peng, C., & Yamashita, K. (2016). Effects of the coastal environment on well-being. Journal of Coastal Zone Management, 19(2), 1000421.
Other references
Barton, J., & Pretty, J. (2010). What is the best dose of nature and green exercise for improving mental health? A multi-study analysis. Environmental Science & Technology, 44(10), 3947-3955.
Wheeler, B. W., White, M., Stahl-Timmins, W., & Depledge, M. H. (2012). Does living by the coast improve health and wellbeing?. Health & place, 18(5), 1198-1201.
White, M. P., Alcock, I., Wheeler, B. W., & Depledge, M. H. (2013). Coastal proximity, health and well-being: Results from a longitudinal panel survey. Health & place, 23, 97-103.
White, M., Smith, A., Humphryes, K., Pahl, S., Snelling, D., & Depledge, M. (2010). Blue space: The importance of water for preference, affect, and restorativeness ratings of natural and built scenes. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 30(4), 482-493.
Keep Learning
- How might the effects of living near the coast differ across countries and cultures? What geographical and societal factors could influence the results?
- What are some ways the positive characteristics of coastal environments could be incorporated into inland areas to promote wellbeing?
- How could restorative coastal environments be made more accessible to disadvantaged inland populations?
- What are potential downsides or risks of increasing populations in coastal zones? How can development be balanced with preservation of the natural environment?
- How might longitudinal studies track the impact of coastal living over a lifespan? What are critical periods?
