Abstract
Evidence suggests that living near urban green spaces is linked with better mental well-being. This paper assesses whether the frequency of visiting local parks is associated with self-reported stress levels in working adults.
Methods: We collected self-report data from a sample of 8,500 working adults across three major metropolitan areas in the UK. Statistical analysis was used to examine the correlation between weekly park visits and scores on a validated Perceived Stress Scale (PSS).
Findings: More frequent park visits were correlated with higher physical activity levels and improved sleep quality, which in turn correlated with lower perceived stress scores. The negative correlation between park visits and stress was more pronounced in individuals working high-stress corporate jobs compared to those in lower-stress sectors.
Interpretation: Our findings point to the potential benefits of accessible urban green spaces for working adults' mental health. These findings could inform urban planning policies and employee wellness initiatives.
Outline one limitation of using a correlation technique in this study.
644 exam-style questions on OCR A Level Psychology Research methods and techniques. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.