Borta bra men hemma sämst - Unga vuxnas användande och upplevelse av gröna miljöer i Malmö under Covid-19-pandemin

Sammanfattning: Following the Covid-19 pandemic, comprising measures on social restrictions and selfisolation, a decline in mental health was reported internationally. Moreover, an increase in urban green space visits was observed globally, reviving a discussion on the health benefits of nature. Young adults were likely to be particularly vulnerable during the pandemic, but little research has been done about health and green space in relation to this group. Knowledge on this subject can help inform urban planning to improve social resilience in the face of future crises and build healthier cities. This study aims to identify how the use and experience of green space among young adults in Malmö were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and to assess its significance for mental health and wellbeing regarding restorational values. Qualitative observations and semi-structured interviews were conducted in Pildammsparken and S:t Pauli graveyard with five respondents in ages 20-35. A content analysis was done, followed by an analysis using Attention Restoration Theory (ART) to examine the restorational benefits of green space experiences. Results identified four main themes: change of environment, participation in society, room for peace and contemplation and increased use in nearby green space. The themes were connected to several aspects of ART, indicating positive impact on restoration and wellbeing. Despite limited possibilities to define the specificity for young adults in the results, change of environment and participation in society were understood as distinguished features when compared with previous research. However, further research is necessary to better understand young adults' relationship to urban green space and its underlying mechanisms. Adding these perspectives to future planning can help shed light on young adults' needs and enhance the positive effects of green space on the mental health of young inhabitants in the city.