Reflecting the Effect of Physical–Perceptual Components on Increasing the Anxiety of Inner-City Rail Transit’s Users: An Integrative Review

Toktam Hanaee (), Iulian Dincă (), Zohreh Moradi, Parinaz Sadegh Eghbali and Ali Boloor
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Toktam Hanaee: Department of Urbanism, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad 9187147578, Iran
Iulian Dincă: Department of Geography, Tourism and Territorial Planning, Centre for Territorial Studies and Analysis, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
Zohreh Moradi: Department of Urbanism, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad 9187147578, Iran
Parinaz Sadegh Eghbali: Department of Urbanism, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad 9187147578, Iran
Ali Boloor: Department of Architecture, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Yazd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd 1477893855, Iran

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 9, 1-34

Abstract: As urbanization continues to expand, the design and structure of urban spaces increasingly influence the experiences of individuals, whether intentionally or inadvertently. These effects can result in both positive and negative experiences, with urban facilities generally designed to enhance the comfort and well-being of citizens. However, in certain cases, these spaces can provoke adverse emotional reactions, such as anxiety. Anxiety, a prevalent mental health disorder, is more commonly observed in urban environments than in rural areas. Among various urban settings, rail transport in large cities is often cited as one of the most stressful environments for passengers. In light of the significance of this issue, this study seeks to explore how physical and perceptual components can reduce anxiety and encourage greater use of intra-urban rail transportation. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, the study employed directional content analysis to investigate this topic. Data were collected and analyzed through an exploratory methodology with the assistance of MAXQDA software. The analysis began with guided content coding, drawing on theoretical frameworks pertinent to the research. Through this process, 2387 initial codes were identified, which were then categorized into nine main themes, with the relationships between these codes clarified. The findings were inductively derived from the raw data, leading to the development of a foundational theoretical framework. The study, employing a personalized strategy, identified three key factors that contribute to anxiety: physical, perceptual, and environmental components. Physical factors, such as accessibility, lighting, and signage, were found to have a significant impact on passengers’ psychological well-being. Perceptual factors, including personal perceptions, stress, and fear, played a crucial role in exacerbating anxiety. Additionally, environmental factors, particularly the design of metro networks, rail lines, and flexible transportation lines, such as car-sharing and micromobility, were found to significantly contribute to the overall anxiety experienced by passengers. Moreover, the study suggests that anxiety triggers can be mitigated effectively through the implementation of well-designed policies and management practices. Enhancing the sense of security within transit spaces was found to increase citizens’ willingness to utilize rail transportation. These findings indicate that targeted interventions aimed at improving both the physical and perceptual aspects of the transit environment could enhance the commuter experience and, in turn, foster greater use of rail systems.

Keywords: anxiety; perceptual; public transportation; railway; mental health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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