How do urban parks, neighborhood open spaces, and private gardens relate to individuals’ subjective well-being: Results of a structural equation model

As urban areas become more densely populated worldwide, the allocation of limited urban green infrastructure to promote well-being among users is becoming increasingly challenging. This study aims to understand the relationships of three types of urban green infrastructure (urban parks, neighborhood green open spaces and private gardens) with subjective well-being (SWB). We construct a structural equation model to examine these relationships in an integrated fashion. We consider both direct and indirect effects of green spaces on SWB. Data were collected through an online questionnaire involving a sample of 322 individuals in the Netherlands. Results indicate that the direct relationship between neighborhood green satisfaction and SWB is positive and stronger than the relationship between satisfaction with urban parks and SWB. Private garden size has an indirect positive effect on SWB mediated by neighborhood green satisfaction. Interestingly, an individual with higher satisfaction with green tends to have higher SWB independently of the frequency of using the green space. Overall, our method and results bring new insights to optimize urban green space planning to enhance users’ SWB.