Gender differences between the emotions experienced and those identified in an urban space, based on heart rate variability

Abstract

The effects that urban spaces can have on people have been analysed by various means. However, in the majority of cases, such analyses have been carried out after the event and based on memories of what was experienced. Such an approach can limit the number of emotions identified. The current research analyses the extent to which emotions identified after an event coincide with those experienced in situ (obtained using measurements of heart rate variability). The results highlight relevant differences between the emotions identified a posteriori and those experienced at a given moment. Specifically, significant differences in the perception of space according to gender have been identified: spaces in which fear was experienced and identified by men tended to differ from those identified by women. • Perception of urban space is analysed using objective and subjective approaches. • Results highlight relevant differences between emotions identified a posteriori and those experienced at a given moment. • Significant differences in the perception of space according to gender have been identified. • Spaces in which fear was experienced and identified by men tended to differ from those identified by women. • Research contribute to improve our knowledge of the emotional states of people in cities.