Stress Status and Related Characteristics in Urban Areas - Research Paper Example

An urban environment can present numerous challenges to city dwellers. These stressors range from overcrowding, limited resources to the high cost of living, and pollution (Dye, 2008). This stressful city life also affects the health of city residents including respiratory diseases, mental anxiety, depressive conditions and lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and obesity (Tyrvainen et al, 2014). As such, people in urban areas may be seeking ways to overcome these pressures and stressful events.

In fact, psychological stress has been identified by Keller et al (2012) as one of the risk factors associated with premature deaths in developed nations. The accumulated effects of chronic stress can adversely affect the health and wellbeing of people to an extent greater than the effects of acute stress events. If psychological stress persists, it can lead to unhealthy psychological and physiological reactions among those inflicted. These include mental disorders, depression, anxiety and isolation (Lederbogen, Haddad, & Meyer-Lindenberg, 2013).

For many years, restorative effects of nature have been an area of focus for Psychologists seeking to link a person’s exposure to natural environments with mental health (Wells&Evans, 2003). Previously, philosophers and researchers have explored the restorative effects of nature on people, primarily the role of nature in personal health and wellness. Studies about the restorative effects of nature started many centuries ago. People in ancient Rome noted years ago, that contact with nature helped them cope with urban noise and congestion in towns (Van der Berg, 2007).

Several benefits have been associated with interacting with nature including benefits to people faced with mental health problems (Capaldi et al, 2015). These results have been supported by findings by Townsend and Weerasuriya (2010).