Nature and Happiness Levels: New SWB Domains for Rivers, a Lake, and Forests

*Takuya Takahashi, Satoshi Asano, Yukiko Uchida, Kosuke Takemura, Shintaro Fukushima, Kyohei Matsushita and Noboru Okuda*

#### **Abstract**

By using a questionnaire survey, we measured nature-related happiness levels, which include specific domains that differ from the overall subjective well-being (SWB) in a Japanese watershed. We regarded nature-related happiness levels, specifically related to rivers, a lake, or forests, as meaningful indices because many people living separated from nature may be unaware of their relationship with nature. We found that nature-related happiness levels had convergent validity and distinct correlation patterns with the explanatory variables, and these patterns were different from those of the overall SWB. These findings support the case of measuring nature-related happiness levels and overall SWB. Nature-related happiness levels were positively correlated with leisure activities and contact with living things. The abundance of rivers in a district is negatively associated with river-related happiness. We speculated that this was due to unidentified disservices associated with the rivers. Lake-related happiness has stronger correlations with relaxation benefits than symbolism, local food culture, art/culture, or water sources. Considering these findings, policymakers should formulate policies based on nature-related happiness levels. Because naturerelated happiness levels are not correlated with income level, such policies may contribute to residents' well-being in an egalitarian manner.

**Keywords:** happiness levels, subjective well-being (SWB), quality of life (QoL), nature, domains, river, lake, forest, ecosystem service

#### **1. Introduction**

There have been various discussions on the relationship between subjective wellbeing (SWB) and quality of life (QoL) in different domains [1–8]. Should the SWB and QoL of each life domain be regarded as part of a whole or independent of it? In the former case, it is unclear whether the parts equally comprise the whole or have differing weights. Although this study is not intended to solve this debate, we

propose "nature-related domains" to analyze the awareness of the benefits people receive from nature.

While domains associated with work and home life are familiar territories, not much consideration has been given to domains focused on nature. Ecosystem services, which are benefits derived from nature, have contributed to our overall well-being [9]. However, with global urbanization [10], it is possible that many people have been distanced from nature and will not be consciously aware of their relationship with it. Consequently, when people are asked about SWB and QoL, using nature-related domains rather than life as a whole should develop an awareness of such domains and improve the quality of responses. The relationship between overall SWB, QoL, and each domain may show a curved relationship instead of the simple sum of all domains [1], moderated by the weights assigned to each domain or by external factors [11, 12]. In such cases, it may be challenging to identify the relationship between SWB/QoL and relevant nature-related factors.

Nature-related SWB and QoL cross the boundaries of conventional domains. For example, people who enjoy nature with friends as part of recreational activities, people who engage with nature as part of their job, and people who enjoy nature in the form of their everyday scenery may value nature in a way that straddles the conventional domains of "interpersonal relationships," "work," and "overall life feeling." There would then be special significance in measuring and identifying the characteristics of nature-related SWB and QoL, which cuts across conventional domains and is more focused.

Meanwhile, Japanese people's happiness level is by no means high compared to the rest of the world, considering the country's income level. In the 2019 World Happiness Report, Japan ranked 58th, falling four places from its 2018 ranking [13]. The report measures the happiness levels of a country based on the citizens' responses to the question "How happy do you feel?" and explains the responses by explanatory variables such as GDP, life expectancy, tolerance, social support, level of freedom, and levels of corruption. Compared with other countries, Japan had smaller residuals (components unexplained by elements such as GDP).

Studies on the relationship between nature and SWB have demonstrated that green spaces and waterfront areas positively correlate with SWB and physical and mental health [14–17]. However, the relationship of Japanese people with nature may be related to the smaller unexplained residuals and, thus, lower levels of happiness. Therefore, improving Japan's level of happiness may be possible by enhancing its relationship with nature.

Considering the decreased level of happiness in Japan, we measured the happiness levels of Japanese people by evaluating their relationship with nature, particularly with bodies of water and forests. By doing so, we will measure the "nature-related happiness levels" using metrics devised and gain insights for leveraging nature to increase happiness levels. Consequently, we measured the levels of nature-related happiness and domains of SWB, and examined how they correlate with various factors.

#### **2. Objectives**

The first objective was to measure nature-related happiness levels and examine their validity. The second objective was determining and identifying the factors correlated with nature-related happiness levels.

*Nature and Happiness Levels: New SWB Domains for Rivers, a Lake, and Forests DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.109862*
