The Psychological Restorative Effects of Campus Environments on College Students in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study at Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China

Abstract

During the COVID-19 outbreak, college students experienced different periods of isolation on campus, which has had an impact on students’ mental health. Based on ART theory, this study randomly selected students at Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China and distributed questionnaires in order to evaluate the psychological recovery effect of campus environment during the epidemic. The results showed that: (1) There were significant differences in the psychological restoration of four types of campus environments. Blue space had the greatest effect, followed by green space and sports grounds, while grey space had the least. (2) Time of stay had a very significant impact on psychological restoration. Longer time of exposure is not necessarily correlated with a better recovery experience. (3) In the different campus environments, extent is easier to be perceived followed by fascination and compatibility, and the weakest is being away. At the time of stay level, no significant difference was found in the perception of compatibility. Time of stay was negatively correlated with fascination and compatibility. These findings can provide theoretical and practical bases for campus environmental planning and construction following the COVID-19 epidemic.

Analysis of students' positive emotions around the green space in the university campus during the COVID-19 pandemic in China

“…The campus under construction will generate noise, dust, and visual experiences unrelated to the natural environment ( 75 ). Mounting evidence showed that disorder and confusion are determined by the artificial structures in the environment, which can affect students' landscape preferences and positive emotions ( 4 , 52 ). In addition, the lockdown of universities during the COVID-19 epidemic can also affect students' landscape preferences ( 76 ).…”

“…In addition, the lockdown of universities during the COVID-19 epidemic can also affect students' landscape preferences ( 76 ). UA has now gradually reopened with the effective control of the epidemic, but strict social distancing measures are still in place for students ( 4 ). Our survey was conducted approximately 5 months after the reopening of UA.…”

“…This allowed students to spend more time around the campuses and led to increasing familiarity with the CGSs. This familiarity can hinder students' perception of the mystery of the CGSs ( 4 ). As a part of students' landscape preference, mystery promises to provide interesting new information through the environment ( 77 ).…”

“…In China, university students successively returned to school in the fall of 2020. Still, the outdoor activities of students were limited in most universities in order to prevent the potential spread of the epidemic ( 4 ). Under this circumstance, some university students experienced a reduction in social activities and encountered other troubles, such as financial stresses and academic frustrations, which may cause negative outcomes regarding emotional and mental health ( 5 ).…”

Beyond Blue and Green Spaces: Identifying and Characterizing Restorative Environments on Sichuan Technology and Business University Campus

“…Because of the travel restrictions set in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, students spend even more time on campus. Therefore, it is necessary and urgent to investigate restorative sites on campus [ 8 ].…”