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The Effects of Green Spaces on Perceived Level of Focus

University of British Columbia. Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability; University of British Columbia. Campus and Community Planning

Previous research has found that campus green spaces can have positive implications on a students well-being, affect and to an extent on their academic behaviors (Foellmer et al., 2021; McFarland et al., 2008). While UBC offers a variety of campus green spaces, both through LEED certified buildings and extensive outdoor areas, the SEEDS client believes that green spaces can be inaccessible to students and that they may be unaware their impacts. This research project sought to understand how our indoor campus green-spaces can have implications on students' affect and perceived focus. Our background research demonstrated that indoor green spaces have numerous positive implications associated with one’s mental health and physical health. We conducted a qualtrics survey of UBC students to gain an understanding of their focus and affect in comparison to the perceived greenness of their study spaces. Participants demonstrated both higher positive affect and focus skill when they reported moderate levels of green study space. Our findings demonstrated a moderate effect size, implying some statistical significance. Based on our findings, we proposed that UBC implement low cost modifications of pre-existing study spaces through additions of potted plants. Disclaimer: “UBC SEEDS provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Coordinator about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report.”

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UBC Social Ecological Economic Development Studies (SEEDS) Student Report; University of British Columbia. PSYC 421

Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library

10.14288/1.0421564

Arts, Faculty of; Psychology, Department of

Undergraduate

DSpace