%0 Thesis
%9 Master
%A Ketelaars, Madison
%D 2024
%F theses_frw:4800
%P 50
%T Preliminary findings on the interrelationship between green spaces, social support, and happiness in students at the University of Groningen
%U https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/4800/
%X This study explores the interconnections between the use of green spaces, social support, and happiness. The student mental health crisis has made this topic increasingly relevant as many search for ways to improve the well-being of those enrolled in higher education.  The conceptual model of this research anticipated a positive correlation between green space use, social support, and happiness level. This research relies on social support theory and the concept of biophilia to show how interactions with other people and nature both impact human happiness. Using a Maptionnaire survey to gather data from 29 students at the University of Groningen, this study analyzed the descriptive statistics and created a correlation matrix to determine the relationship between the measured variables. The results of the study lend some support to the conceptual model proposed. However, the results were found to be statistically insignificant, likely due to the relatively low number of participants for a quantitative study. This study highlights the importance of green spaces for the potential to facilitate social support and enhance mental well-being in students. Based on the results of the survey, this study proposes opportunities for the University of Groningen and other similar institutions to preserve local green spaces and the services they provide.