The role of access to urban green infrastructure in enhancing the psychological resilience of urban women: a case study of Tehran, Iran

Source abstract

Urban green spaces are increasingly recognized for their potential to enhance psychological well-being, yet their specific impact on women’s psychological resilience remains underexplored. This study investigates the role of access to urban green infrastructure in enhancing the psychological resilience of urban women in Tehran, Iran. Ninety women aged 40–60 years from two regions—one with accessible urban green spaces and one without—participanted in a cross-sectional survey. Two questionnaires were administered: one capturing demographic details and frequency of urban green spaceuse, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale to measure psychological resilience. Statistical analyses, including t-tests and multiple regression, examined the relationship between urban green spaceaccess and resilience. Results revealed that women with access to urban green spaces reported significantly higher resilience scores compared to those without access. Visiting green space was positively correlated with resilience, with frequency of visits mediating the relationship. These findings suggest that accessible green spaces foster psychological resilience in urban women by providing restorative environments that mitigate stress and enhance coping. Urban planners should prioritize equitable access to green infrastructure to support women’s mental health, particularly in densely populated cities. Further research is needed to explore cultural and socio-economic factors that may influence this relationship.