Thermal Comfort Influences Positive Emotions but Not Negative Emotions When Visiting Green Spaces during Summer

Abstract

Emotional responses are psychological responses produced by multiple stimuli. This study aimed to clarify the effects of thermal comfort on emotions in green spaces with different characteristics in summer. Four green spaces were selected in an urban park in Chongqing, China, and 919 residents completed questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of a thermal sensation vote (TSV) and a Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA) are two dimensions included in the PANAS, both with scores ranging from 10 to 50. In parallel with the questionnaire, meteorological measurements were taken, and the collected data were used for thermal environment simulation to obtain physiological equivalent temperatures (PET). The results showed that the effect of thermal comfort in green spaces on PA far exceeded that of NA. PET increased from 20 °C to 55 °C, the average PA decreased by 7.2 scores, and NA did not change significantly. The negative effect of PET on PA was significant in less-shaded spaces, and the positive effect on NA was significant in well-shaded spaces with a high visible green index. PET mainly influences the emotions of being strong, proud, inspired, active, and attentive in PA and distressed, irritable, and afraid in NA. Emotions became less susceptible to PET and TSV as individuals aged. PET at 31–33 °C favored PA for people of all ages. This study provided practical information about thermal comfort and the design of green spaces with the goal of promoting mental health.