An Integrative Investigation of Travel Satisfaction, Streetscape Perception, and Mental Health in Urban Environments

Pawinee Iamtrakul (), Sararad Chayphong and Yoshitsugu Hayashi
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Pawinee Iamtrakul: Center of Excellence in Urban Mobility Research and Innovation, Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Thammasat University, Bangkok 12120, Thailand
Sararad Chayphong: Center of Excellence in Urban Mobility Research and Innovation, Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Thammasat University, Bangkok 12120, Thailand
Yoshitsugu Hayashi: Center for Sustainable Development and Global Smart City, Chubu University, Kasugai 487-8501, Japan

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 9, 1-19

Abstract: A significant connection exists between mental health, particularly depression, and travel. This study aims to explore the relationship between travel satisfaction, perception of the streetscape, and depression by comparing non-older adults and older adults. Subjective well-being serves as a concept for measuring mental health derived from travel satisfaction and perception of the streetscape across age groups. Additionally, the Geriatric Depression Scale (15-item GDS) was employed to specifically assess depression. The survey was conducted among respondents residing in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR) with a sample size of 3600 which is segmented into three age groups for the study model: early adulthood (18–34 years), middle adulthood (35–59 years), and later maturity (60 years and above). Multiple regression analysis was employed to investigate the relationship between travel satisfaction, perception of the streetscape, and mental health. The results suggest that both travel satisfaction and perception of the streetscape have a statistically significant impact on mental health, particularly in relation to depression. Additionally, the analysis highlights variations in stressors among different age cohorts. Particularly noteworthy is the finding that ease of access to the city center and openness of the streetscape emerged as statistically significant factors influencing depression within the later maturity age group. Conclusively, the study reveals the variations in stressors across diverse age cohorts, highlighting the imperative for tailored interventions to mitigate mental health concerns throughout different life stages.

Keywords: geriatric depression scale; mental health; quality of life; travel satisfaction; users’ perception; well-being (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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