Effects of urban green space landscape elements on perceived sensory dimensions, landscape preference, stress restoration, and anxiety in women

This study investigated how urban green spaces support stress relief in women in modern urban settings. Using a mixed-methods approach, the roles of landscape elements, perceived sensory dimensions, landscape preference, and anxiety were examined. Natural features (i.e., plants and gardens) were discovered to enhance spatial quality and promote stress restoration. Age and occupational status did not significantly affect the results but were linked to distinct restorative pathways. Older women and unemployed women tended to achieve stress restoration through pathways involving anxiety, whereas younger women and employed women benefited more from perceived sensory dimensions and subsequent processing through landscape preference. Interview findings emphasized the importance of safety, accessibility, and biodiversity. The present insights can support inclusive, gender-sensitive green space planning for sustainable urban development and improving mental well-being. • Plants and garden features significantly enhance spatial quality and support women's stress relief. • PLS-MGA reveals no significant group differences, but distinct stress restoration patterns by age and role. • High-age women and housewives tend to achieve stress restoration through pathways involving anxiety • Low-age and working women benefit more from PSDs and subsequent processing through landscape preference. • Safety, accessibility, and biodiversity emerged as key restorative qualities in qualitative findings.