Optimal Duration of Campus Green Space Exposure for Stress Recovery and Vitality Enhancement among University Students in Malang

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the optimal duration of campus Green Open Space (GOS) exposure for reducing stress and enhancing students’ subjective vitality. A quasi-experimental within-subjects repeated measures design was applied, involving 129 university students in Malang who participated in a 60-minute “sit and view” activity. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) was measured before and after the intervention, while the Restorative Outcome Scale (ROS) and Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS) were assessed at 0, 20, 40, and 60 minutes. Results showed a significant decrease in stress levels (p < 0.001) and progressive improvements in emotional-cognitive restoration and vitality (p < 0.001). The most substantial restorative and vitality gains occurred between 20–40 minutes of exposure. These findings support Attention Restoration Theory (ART) and Stress Recovery Theory (SRT), highlighting that passive engagement with natural environments can effectively promote psychological recovery and mental well-being among university students.