Can sustainable urban planning determine people’s happiness and well-being?

Abstract

Purpose – This study was designed to present how urban planning is associated with, and explain psychological well-being, health, time use, education, cultural diversity and resilience, community vitality, good governance, ecological diversity, resilience, and living standards. We used Gross National Happiness Index (GNH) as theoretical background. Design/methodology/approach – Quantitative and explanatory research was conducted and operationalized through a survey of 212 citizens. We used data from a mid-sized city, inner Santa Catarina state, Brazil. Findings – The linear regression showed that urban planning predicts happiness and well-being. More specifically, urban planning impacts more time use perception; community vitality; ecological diversity and resilience; and most important, living standards. Research implications – we found that urban planning impacts more on the variables that are directly related to the environment, explained by the pillars of sustainable socio-economic development and environmental conservation. The individual and psychological dimensions related to health, culture, and education don't show the same impact, as well as good governance. Originality/value: a potential study to be used by government agencies to act directly in the elaboration of public policies once it is understood that using the GNH can identify specific deficits.

Exploring Urban Agricultural Practices’ Association with Farmers’ Psychosocial Well-Being in Dar Es Salaam and Greater Lomé. A Perceptual Study

“…Is also gradually seen in the introduction of happiness or well-being measurement in spatial planning research as part of the improvement of public health [45][46][47][48][49]. Moreover, positive psychology and happiness studies motivate interdisciplinary research, creating policy and practice implications and recommendations [50].…”