Effects of thermal perception on restorative benefits by green space exposure: A pilot study in hot-humid China

Abstract

Green space exposure can bring various psychological restorative benefits, including attention restoration, stress recovery, and mood improvement. However, most research on restorative environments has focused on visual and acoustic experiences. The role of thermal perception in psychological restoration has been largely overlooked. Based on a pre-test-post-test design intervention experiment in an urban park in Guangzhou, China, this study investigated the relationship between thermal perception and the psychological restorative benefits of three types of green space in hot-humid areas. Thirty-eight university students participated in this experiment, each engaging in three environmental stimuli. The results showed that: 1) short-term exposure to urban park grassland and forest in hot and humid areas significantly increased the Perceived restorativeness scale (PRS) score and decreased negative emotions, for example, Anger. 2) Thermal Comfort Vote (TCV) significantly predicted the PRS score. 3) The type of green space greatly influenced the effect of TCV on PRS. These findings prove the relationship between thermal perception and the restorative benefits of green space exposure. The study further integrates the research areas of urban climate, green exposure, and psychological restoration. Incorporating thermal perception and psychological restoration concepts in urban green spaces' design and management helps enhance comfort and psychological well-being.