Image of a couple hiking along a coastal trail with backpacks in the morning light
Key Points
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 torandomly selectedresidents 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:
Statistical Analysis
Results
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
Limitations
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.
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.
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.
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Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education
Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.
Saul McLeod, PhD
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester
Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.
