There are very few citizenry who do n’t enjoy the benefit of perish for a walking by the sea or looking out at the sea from a sandy beach . Now , some new research suggests there is a understanding for our age - older affinity with the ocean .
The research , published in this month ’s issue ofHealth & Place , found that hold out in a residence with a prospect of the sea was associated with improved mental health .
Researchers from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand and Michigan State University looked at the visibleness of dark and green spaces for residents in Wellington , New Zealand . Blue spaces were defined as water realm such as beach and oceans , while green spaces were areas such as car park and wood . Although Wellington is a urbanised majuscule metropolis , it is nestle next to the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean . The researchers then compared this topography data point with data gathered from the New Zealand Health Survey , which was used to assess anxiety and mood disorder .
After select into account other factors such as the hoi polloi ’s income , age , and sexuality , they establish a coefficient of correlation between citizenry who had a view of the ocean and positive mental health .
However , while you may think that this effect was due to being near “ the groovy out-of-doors ” in general , the study specifically recover that light-green place did not have the same effect .
In astatement , work conscientious objector - author Amber Pearson excuse why this might be : “ It could be because the blue outer space was all natural , while the green space included human - made region , such as sports field of battle and resort area , as well as raw country such as native forests . Perhaps if we only seem at aboriginal woods we might find something different . ”
The researchers hope to better understand this issue by conducting similar studies in country that harbour other type of large bodies of water , such as the Great Lakes . Eventually , they go for that a more comprehensive understanding of our hem in surroundings and its effect on our health could aid guide more effective metropolis provision .
