Abstract

This study investigated the impact of coastal residence in childhood and in adulthood on wellbeing. A sample of 651 university students completed a questionnaire survey of participants’ perception of coastal areas, their relatedness to nature generally, their emotional experiences of being by the sea and their mental wellbeing. The findings showed that all positive dimensions of coastal perception were correlated with wellbeing and supports the hypothesis that residential proximity to the coast has a more positive effect on wellbeing compared to inland residence. The outcomes suggested that those residing in communities on the coast as children experienced a higher level of nature relatedness and higher positive dimensions of coastal perception. The project illustrates the need for these natural areas be recognised as significant public health resources and that this must be reflected as part of environmental policy.

Keywords:Coastal living; Wellbeing; Nature; Relatedness