Research Proposal: The Impact of Urban Green Spaces on

Citizen Well-being in Pasig City, Metro Manila

1. Introduction
Rapid urbanization in Southeast Asia has led to the development of high-density cities,
often characterized by limited green spaces. These environments can pose challenges to the
well-being of residents, potentially contributing to increased stress, reduced mental health,
and diminished social interaction. Urban green spaces, such as parks, community gardens,
and tree-lined streets, are increasingly recognized for their vital role in mitigating these
negative impacts and fostering positive health outcomes. This research aims to investigate
the correlation between the availability and accessibility of urban green spaces and the
reported levels of stress, mental health, and social interaction among residents of Pasig
City, a highly urbanized area within Metro Manila, Philippines. Understanding this
relationship is crucial for informing urban planning and public health policies aimed at
creating more livable and sustainable cities.
2. Background and Literature Review
Existing literature from diverse urban contexts highlights the multifaceted benefits of urban
green spaces. Studies have shown that access to green environments is associated with:
Reduced Stress and Improved Mental Health: Exposure to nature has been linked to
lower levels of cortisol (a stress hormone), reduced symptoms of anxiety and
depression, and improved mood and cognitive function (Ulrich et al., 1991; Bratman et
al., 2015). Attention Restoration Theory (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989) suggests that natural
environments allow for effortless attention, reducing mental fatigue.
Enhanced Social Interaction and Community Cohesion: Green spaces provide
opportunities for social interaction, fostering a sense of community and belonging
(Francis et al., 2012). They can serve as common grounds for recreation, social
gatherings, and community events.
Increased Physical Activity: Accessible green spaces encourage physical activity, which
has numerous physical and mental health benefits (Sugiyama et al., 2010).
Improved Air Quality and Reduced Noise Pollution: Vegetation can filter air pollutants
and absorb noise, contributing to a healthier living environment.
While the benefits of urban green spaces are well-documented in other contexts, research
specifically focusing on the impact within high-density Southeast Asian cities like Pasig is
limited. This research will contribute to filling this gap by examining the unique challenges
and opportunities presented by the local urban environment and its influence on the
relationship between green spaces and citizen well-being. Factors such as population
density, cultural norms, and the specific types and quality of green spaces available in Pasig
will be considered.
3. Research Questions
This research seeks to answer the following key questions:
1. Is there a statistically significant correlation between the availability (e.g., area, density)
of urban green spaces within residential areas of Pasig City and the reported levels of
stress among residents?
2. Is there a statistically significant correlation between the accessibility (e.g., distance to,
perceived safety of) urban green spaces and the reported levels of stress among
residents of Pasig City?
3. What is the relationship between the availability and accessibility of urban green spaces
and the reported levels of mental health (e.g., symptoms of anxiety and depression,
overall well-being) among residents of Pasig City?
4. Does the availability and accessibility of urban green spaces correlate with the
frequency and quality of social interaction among residents of Pasig City?
5. Do socio-demographic factors (e.g., age, income, education level) moderate the
relationship between urban green space and citizen well-being in Pasig City?
4. Methodology
This research will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and
qualitative data collection and analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of the
research questions.
4.1. Quantitative Methods:
Surveys:A stratified random sampling technique will be used to select a representative
sample of adult residents from different barangays (neighborhoods) within Pasig City.
h i ill i l d lid d l
 The survey instrument will include validated scales to measure:
Perceived Stress: Using a standardized stress scale (e.g., Perceived Stress Scale -
PSS).
Mental Health: Employing measures of anxiety and depression (e.g., Hospital Anxiety
and Depression Scale - HADS) and overall well-being (e.g., WHO-5 Well-being Index).
Social Interaction: Assessing the frequency and quality of social interactions within
their neighborhood and in green spaces.
Accessibility and Use of Green Spaces: Questions regarding the distance to the
nearest green space, perceived safety, frequency of visits, and types of activities
undertaken.
Socio-demographic Information: Including age, gender, education level, income, and
residential history.
Spatial Analysis:Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be used to:
Map and Quantify Urban Green Spaces: Identify and measure the area and density of
various types of green spaces (parks, community gardens, public plazas, tree-lined
streets) within different residential areas of Pasig City. Data sources may include
satellite imagery, official city maps, and ground truthing.
Calculate Accessibility Metrics: Determine the distance of residential units to the
nearest green spaces and analyze the spatial distribution of green spaces across the
city. Network analysis may be used to assess accessibility via pedestrian and
transportation networks.
Physiological Measurements (Optional): Depending on resources, a sub-sample of
participants may be invited to provide physiological data related to stress, such as
salivary cortisol levels, collected at different times of the day and in relation to green
space exposure.
4.2. Qualitative Methods:
Semi-structured Interviews: In-depth interviews will be conducted with a smaller subset
of residents, selected to represent diverse experiences and perspectives, to explore
their perceptions of green spaces, their impact on their well-being, and their
experiences with social interaction in these spaces.
Focus Group Discussions: Focus groups will be organized with residents from different
neighborhoods to facilitate discussions on the role of green spaces in their community,
their perceived benefits and challenges, and suggestions for improvement.
Observations: Researchers may conduct observational studies in selected green spaces
to document the types of activities taking place, the level of social interaction, and the
overall usage patterns.
4.3. Data Analysis:
Quantitative Data: Statistical analyses, including correlation analysis, regression
analysis, and ANOVA, will be used to examine the relationships between the availability
and accessibility of green spaces and the measures of stress, mental health, and social
interaction, controlling for socio-demographic factors. Spatial statistical techniques will
be employed to analyze the spatial relationships between green space distribution and
well-being outcomes.
Qualitative Data: Interview and focus group transcripts will be analyzed using thematic
analysis to identify recurring themes and patterns related to residents' experiences and
perceptions of urban green spaces and their impact on well-being. Observational data
will be analyzed descriptively to complement the quantitative findings.
Integration of Quantitative and Qualitative Data: Findings from both quantitative and
qualitative strands will be integrated to provide a more nuanced and comprehensive
understanding of the research questions. Qualitative data can help to explain and
contextualize the statistical relationships identified in the quantitative analysis.
5. Expected Outcomes and Significance
This research is expected to yield valuable insights into the relationship between urban
green spaces and citizen well-being in a high-density Southeast Asian city context. The
findings will:
Provide empirical evidence on the impact of green space availability and accessibility
on stress, mental health, and social interaction among residents of Pasig City.
Identify specific characteristics of green spaces (e.g., size, quality, features) that are
most strongly associated with positive well-being outcomes.
Inform urban planning and policy decisions aimed at enhancing the provision and
quality of green spaces in Pasig City and other similar urban environments in the region.
Contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the importance of nature-based
solutions for promoting urban health and sustainability in developing countries.
Potentially lead to the development of evidence-based recommendations for the
design and management of urban green spaces to maximize their benefits for residents'
well-being.
6. Ethical Considerations
This research will adhere to the highest ethical standards. Informed consent will be
obtained from all participants prior to their involvement in the study. Anonymity and
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confidentiality of participant data will be strictly maintained. The research protocol will be
reviewed and approved by an appropriate ethics review board.
7. Timeline
[A detailed timeline outlining the different phases of the research project, including
literature review, instrument development, data collection, data analysis, and report
writing, will be included here.]
8. Budget
[A detailed budget outlining the estimated costs associated with different aspects of the
research, such as personnel, data collection materials, travel, data analysis software, and
dissemination of findings, will be included here.]
9. Research Team
[Information about the researchers involved in the project and their respective roles and
expertise will be included here.]
10. Dissemination Plan
The findings of this research will be disseminated through various channels, including:
Academic Publications: Submission of research articles to peer-reviewed journals.
Conference Presentations: Presentation of findings at national and international
conferences.
Policy Briefs: Development of concise summaries of key findings and policy
recommendations for relevant government agencies and urban planners in Pasig City
and Metro Manila.
Community Engagement: Sharing research findings with participating communities
through workshops and public forums.