Perceived quality and access to urban green spaces and loneliness in India

Source abstract

Amid rapid urbanisation and growing concerns about social isolation, urban green spaces are increasingly recognised as environments that may support mental well-being. However, existing research has largely focused on the physical availability and proximity of green spaces, with limited attention to how individuals’ perceptions of green space quality influence experiences of loneliness, particularly in rapidly urbanising contexts such as urban India. Addressing this gap, the present study examines how perceptions of accessibility, design quality, safety, and opportunities for social interaction in urban green spaces relate to loneliness. The study draws on a cross-sectional survey of 221 respondents from diverse demographic groups. Loneliness was measured using the UCLA Loneliness Scale, while perceptions of green spaces were assessed through a structured questionnaire. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between perceived green space characteristics and reported loneliness. The findings indicate a significant association between loneliness and negative perceptions of green spaces, particularly among women and younger individuals, suggesting that subjective experiences of urban environments may influence well-being strongly than spatial availability. Design attributes such as shaded seating and recreational opportunities show stronger associations with reduced loneliness than proximity alone, highlighting the importance of user-sensitive green space design in urban planning.