%0 journal article
%@ 0044-7447
%A Cabana, D.,Pinna, S.,Farina, S.,Grech, D.,Barbieri, N.,Guala, I.

%D 2024
%J Ambio
%N 
%P  
%R doi:10.1007/s13280-024-02043-2
%T Coastal Cultural Ecosystem Services and Adolescents’ Subjective Well-being
%U https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-024-02043-2
 
%X Despite growing recognition of nature’s impact on mental health, its specific effects on adolescents remain unclear. This gap hinders effective strategies for youth well-being in a world facing increasing environmental pressures. This study directly investigates the connections between coastal environments and subjective well-being in adolescents. We explore how interactions with coastal landscapes and associated cultural ecosystem services contribute to both personal and social dimensions of well-being in a sample of 202 adolescents (16 and 17 years old) from Sardinia, Italy. Our findings reveal a beneficial impact of coastal experiences, promoting positive affect, social integration, and physiological well-being. However, human pressures on these environments can lead to negative affect, while fostering a sense of social contribution. This research highlights the complex interplay between coastal environments, human impacts, and teenagers’ well-being. Understanding these links empowers planners to craft coastal management strategies that balance adolescents’ well-being with the long-term sustainability of coastal regions.