Walkability and stress: Insights from Generation Z during global disruption

Abstract

This study examines the intersection of urban design and urban living conditions by exploring the relationship between perceived walkability and stress management among Generation Z college students in Istanbul during the COVID-19 pandemic. Walkability, essential for comfortable and safe pedestrian navigation, fosters resilient communities, while stress adversely affects individual well-being and social interactions. The research aims to understand how the built environment’s physical components impacting walking habits influence mental well-being, particularly stress levels. This research delves into various interconnected variables to enhance the design and policy of urban living conditions. By examining the relationships between perceived walkability, stress levels, and physical environmental factors, the study aims to provide valuable insights that can inform the development of healthier, more supportive urban neighborhoods. Focusing on Generation Z—typically more active and significantly impacted by pandemic isolation—the study involved university students across Istanbul. The Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale were used to measure perceived walkability and stress management. The findings demonstrated statistically significant associations between perceived walkability and stress levels, alongside notable gender-based differences. These results highlight the critical role of urban design in enhancing urban living conditions outcomes. The study proposes design and planning recommendations to improve neighborhood walkability, contributing to better psychological outcomes and overall urban living conditions as well as the creation of public policies that prioritize physical activity and psychological outcomes, ultimately fostering more livable and resilient communities.