Spending time in nature is known to enhance subjective wellbeing (SWB), which encompasses multiple dimensions: hedonic wellbeing (happiness and anxiety), eudaimonic wellbeing (sense of meaning or purpose), and evaluative wellbeing (life satisfaction). However, little is understood about how access and exposure to different types of natural environments influence these dimensions of SWB, or how these relationships vary across countries.
This study analysed survey data from over 16,000 participants across 18 countries to explore how proximity to and visits to green and blue spaces impact SWB. Findings revealed that visiting green spaces and coastal areas was associated with increased hedonic wellbeing (happiness) and evaluative wellbeing (life satisfaction). Regular visits to freshwater environments were also linked to improved evaluative and eudaimonic wellbeing. However, living near natural environments without visiting them had limited benefits, except for some improvements in evaluative wellbeing for those in greener areas. The relationships varied significantly across countries.
These findings suggest that encouraging visits to natural environments, rather than simply living near them, is key to promoting SWB. Policymakers should prioritise improving access to and quality of green and blue spaces, as well as initiatives to promote usage to maximise the wellbeing benefits offered by these environments.
