Understanding residents' motivation, psychological involvement, and psychological well-being in urban parks

Abstract

Residents frequently engage in leisure activities in urban parks to alleviate psychological stress, which makes their well-being a key concern for urban planners and policymakers. This study examines the relationships among urban park motivations (push and pull factors), psychological involvement, and psychological well-being through a survey of 331 residents in Dongguan city via structural equation modeling and principal component analysis. The results indicate that motivations positively influence residents' involvement and well-being, with involvement serving as a partial mediator. Theoretically, this study enhances the understanding of the psychological mechanisms driving park use and well-being, contributing to an explanatory model for resident well-being in urban contexts. Practically, the findings suggest that local authorities can increase urban park appeal by investing in diverse leisure resources and accessible facilities. Specific recommendations include developing scenic, accessible landscapes, family-friendly areas, sports facilities, and cultural exhibits to collectively support residents' psychological health and foster community involvement. This study provides both theoretical insights and actionable strategies for promoting psychological well-being through urban park design.