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How Intrinsic Motivation for Urban Park Visits Is Associated With Residents’ Somatic Health: Roles of Place Satisfaction and Personality Traits

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives: Rapid urbanization poses significant public health challenges, and urban parks are increasingly recognized for physical and mental health benefits. However, the psychological mechanisms linking urban park visits to health outcomes remain underexplored, particularly the role of intrinsic motivation and individual differences. Methods: Drawing on Self-Determination Theory and personality psychology, a cross-sectional survey of 1,191 park visitors in central China employed validated tools (IMI, PHQ-15, PAS, BFI-2). Moderated mediation analyses were conducted using SPSS and the PROCESS macro. Results: Intrinsic motivation showed a strong direct association with residents' somatic health. Place satisfaction partially mediated this relationship, though the indirect effect was modest compared to the direct pathway. Personality traits significantly moderated key pathways: Extraversion weakened the link between intrinsic motivation and place satisfaction, while agreeableness attenuated the somatic health benefits associated with place satisfaction. Conclusion: Psychological factors play a crucial role in shaping the association between urban park engagement and somatic health outcomes. These findings suggest that urban park planning should go beyond accessibility and consider motivational and personality-based differences to maximize somatic health benefits. Designing urban parks that foster intrinsic motivation and accommodate diverse personality types may contribute to more effective and equitable public health outcomes.

Source: International Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2026.1608985

Authors: Kai Feng, Shengnan Wang, JoonChew Dan, Hao Yang, Yongxin Li, Xiaosheng Yu

Institutions: Henan University, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy

Language: English

Topic: Urban Green Space and Health

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

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

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,775