Work

The Role of Urban Green Spaces on Life Satisfaction and Migration Willingness in Tirana, Albania

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: In the framework of place attachment we explore how green spaces contribute to life satisfaction in a context of high emigration rates. We propose that green spaces affect life satisfaction of the population through the mediation of physical health and mental health, and this relationship is moderated by migration willingness. We conducted our study in March–April 2021 in the city of Tirana, Albania. Using physical and mental health indicators, our results demonstrate that urban green spaces directly and indirectly affect life satisfaction. The mediators with the highest impact on life satisfaction are psychological distress and well-being. Green space exposure plays a role in influencing health outcomes, but the relationship is not moderated by migration willingness, and it shows a higher impact on participants with better mental health. Designing more and improved urban green spaces is a pathway to positively affect the health and well-being of urban populations.

Source: Human Ecology

DOI: 10.1007/s10745-024-00511-7

Authors: Samel Kruja, Olta Braçe, Elena Kokthi, Marco Garrido Cumbrera

Institutions: Universidad de Sevilla, Agricultural University of Tirana

Language: English

Topic: Urban Green Space and Health

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,990