Unlocking Well-Being: How Urban Environment Factors Influence Your Happiness in the Moment and Over Time – Insights from Experience Sampling Research

The results show that our model fits the data well. There’s a clear link between higher levels of LWB (life well-being) and MWB (momentary well-being). Aspects of urban life like cafes, cultural centers, education facilities, and natural spaces contribute positively to MWB. Interestingly, MWB drops when people are moving in busy environments. LWB is boosted by cultural facilities, a vibrant atmosphere, and good communication within the city. Healthier individuals and those who’ve lived longer in one area show higher LWB, while higher incomes and psychological distress tend to lower it.

Link Between MWB and LWB

Our findings support previous research showing a positive relationship between LWB and MWB. Enjoying positive moments can build life well-being, while overall well-being sets the stage for experiencing those moments.

Urban Factors Affecting MWB and LWB

We found that urban elements positively influence both types of well-being. Cafes, bars, and cultural venues enhance MWB by offering social and leisure opportunities. Parks and organized community spaces help build social ties and contribute to residents’ quality of life. It’s essential for urban designs to include inviting public areas that promote interaction and physical activity.

Parks are vital for boosting well-being. They provide a peaceful atmosphere that can lower stress and improve mental health. Proximity to water bodies and access to natural landscapes can significantly enhance both mental health and physical activity.

Additionally, our analysis of environmental factors showed that pleasant, clean, and safe spaces are critical for fostering MWB. Comfort in a space—such as air quality, aesthetics, and ease of access—also plays a role in how individuals feel momentarily.

Communication is another key area. Past studies have shown that face-to-face interactions are good for life well-being. However, in our study, we did not find a strong link between communication and MWB. This might be because some interactions can be negative, which affects momentary feelings.

Urban planning in areas like Kashiwa-no-ha aims to create dynamic spaces where people can engage in various activities, encouraging interactions that can enhance well-being.

Surprisingly, while bustling areas can foster life well-being, they can also detract from momentary well-being. High population density often comes with conveniences, but it can also lead to crowded and noisy experiences that negatively affect mood.

Personal Traits Influencing MWB and LWB

For individual characteristics, longer residence in a community boosts LWB. People who stay longer tend to forge deeper social connections, which can lead to better mental health. However, we found a somewhat confusing relationship between household income and LWB—higher income didn’t always mean higher well-being. This could be because our sample included many affluent individuals, where income may impact well-being differently than in lower-income settings.

While our study provides insights, it has some limitations. For instance, requiring a smartphone might skew participant selection. We also didn’t explore how indoor environments affect well-being. Plus, the findings are based on one urban area, which could limit generalization. Future studies should analyze how different environments and community types influence well-being further and consider more variables that could play a role, such as personal preferences and environmental conditions.