Greenspace of the LWL-Clinic Gütersloh in Germany.
Photo: Hannah-Lea Schmid.

By Hannah-Lea Schmid, Anna Nowak, Lydia Oeljeklaus, Timothy McCall, Claudia Hornberg, Barbara A. Caspers, and Stefan Zerbe.

Read the full paper here.

Research has proven that nature in general has positive impacts on human health and wellbeing. More specifically, patients feel that greenspaces around psychiatric clinics are important and the patients positively perceive these greenspaces. Thus, designing these areas with diverse patient needs in mind can foster positive sentiments.

Despite the known benefits of nature for mental health, there is little research on the natural environments of psychiatric hospitals, which are crucial for mental health treatment and patients’ recovery. We aimed, therefore, to understand what is present in the greenspaces around psychiatric clinics and how patients perceive those greenspaces. Positive perceptions can implicate ways to improve the natural environment for patients’ well-being.

We interviewed patients visiting the greenspaces at two psychiatric hospitals in Germany. We asked them what they could see, hear and smell, and what they liked and disliked about the spaces. Additionally, we counted the plants and amenities, such as paths and benches. With this information we described the greenspaces in detail. We used the Perceived Sensory Dimensions model to analyze the experiences and wishes of patients. This model distinguishes between four opposing pairs: (1) natural-looking greenspace vs. art and historic elements; (2) calmness vs. social interactions and busyness; (3) open views vs. shadowy hideaways; and (4) diverse plants and animals vs. everything matching together.

The results highlight the importance of greenspaces, with patients particularly enjoying naturalness, calmness, and diversity. We found notable preferences for specific features including old trees, flowers, well-kept open lawns, water, and the presence of songbirds. Patients also expressed positive feelings towards quiet areas, tree-lined avenues, and flexible seating options protected by roofs or plants. Overall, the greenspaces have to be carefully designed because different people have different needs and preferences that can change during recovery. Therefore, psychiatric greenspaces should provide distinct areas with multiple and adjustable functions. Diversity and variability turned out to be key guidelines.

Implementing and improving greenspaces around psychiatric clinics can potentially have a therapeutic effect on people with mental illnesses. Furthermore, this approach aligns with broader goals of promoting nature conservation and biodiversity. Policymakers and healthcare practitioners should consider these findings when planning and designing psychiatric environments, emphasizing the integration of nature for the benefit of patients and the broader community.