There is increasing evidence that blue spaces, particularly coastal environments, are beneficial for well-being. During the first-wave lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic in Belgium, access to the coast was restricted due to restraint in circulation. Making use of this unique opportunity, this study investigated whether access and visits to the coast were positively associated with well-being by using a quasi-experimental design. The emotions of awe and nostalgia were studied as potential mediators between coastal visits and well-being. A total of 687 Flemish adults took part in an online survey that was launched end of April until beginning of June 2020. After controlling for covariates, results showed that access to the coast, but not visit frequency, was positively associated with well-being. More specifically, coastal residents reported less boredom and worry, and more happiness than inland residents. Awe and nostalgia were not significantly associated with coastal visits, but awe was negatively correlated with boredom. The study suggests a potential buffer effect of residential proximity to the coast against negative psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting the notion that the coast has a positive impact on well-being.

中文翻译：

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COVID-19 大流行期间比利时海岸对幸福感的影响。

越来越多的证据表明，蓝色空间，尤其是沿海环境，有益于人们的幸福感。在比利时 COVID-19 大流行的第一波封锁期间，由于流通受限，进入海岸受到限制。利用这个独特的机会，本研究通过使用准实验设计调查了进入和访问海岸是否与幸福感呈正相关。敬畏和怀旧的情绪被研究为沿海访问和幸福之间的潜在中介。共有 687 名佛兰芒成年人参与了一项在线调查，该调查于 4 月底至 2020 年 6 月初启动。在控制协变量后，结果显示，前往海岸而非访问频率与幸福感呈正相关。进一步来说，与内陆居民相比，沿海居民报告的无聊和担忧更少，幸福感更高。敬畏和怀旧与沿海访问没有显着相关性，但敬畏与无聊呈负相关。该研究表明，靠近海岸的住宅对 COVID-19 大流行的负面心理后果具有潜在的缓冲作用，支持海岸对幸福感产生积极影响的观点。