Third place and psychological well-being: The psychological benefits of eating and drinking places for university students in Southern California, USA

Although the environment is related to psychological well-being, the psychological benefits of the built environment—in particular, third places—have been understudied. This study analyzed the psychological benefits of third places, focusing specifically on eating and drinking places. 722 students from the University of California, Irvine, participated in an online survey and answered an open-ended question and photo-based close-ended questions. Findings indicated that cafés and coffee shops can provide psychological benefits like that of urban parks. Interestingly, like urban parks, a large-chain coffee shop was a preferred and pleasant place to rest. The findings also demonstrated that preference for an environment can be related to an individual's place orientedness and perceptions of the restorative quality of, and pleasant sentiment towards, that environment. Collectively, these findings revealed the important role that third places play in the mental health of students in America by serving as places of leisure—like urban parks. •Third places can enhance the psychological health of individuals.•Third places were the most visited type of place for relaxation.•The psychological benefits of a place can vary by personal dispositions.•Place preference was related to the perceived restorativeness and pleasantness of a setting.