How environmental physical characteristics relate to children's restorative experiences and psychological well-being in Chinese primary schools: A qualitative study

School environments greatly influence children's daily experiences and well-being. However, little is known about the relationship between the physical aspects of the environment and children's restorative experiences and psychological well-being in school settings from a holistic perspective. Thus, this study investigated children's views on the physical characteristics of their school environments that affect their restoration and psychological well-being. A comparison of yield themes and children's ideal school environments was also examined, as well as gender differences in their environmental perspectives. Data were collected through focus group interviews and cognitive mapping. Thirteen gender-specific focus group interviews were conducted with 79 children aged 9–12 years from five primary schools in Harbin, China. Children's drawings of their ideal school environments were also gathered. A bottom-up, inductive thematic analysis approach was used to analyze both the interview data and the drawings. Five key environmental themes for restoration and well-being were identified: nature contact and connection, indoor and outdoor environmental quality, environmental atmosphere and aesthetics, ergonomics and spatial arrangement, and environmental affordance. Consistency was found between the themes and those of the ideal school environment. Gender differences and similarities were observed across the five themes. The findings suggest that school physical characteristics play an important role in children's psychological restoration, with extensive benefits for their school life and well-being. We suggest that practitioners should address these environmental characteristics to foster healthy school environments, while considering gender issues. Researchers and practitioners should emphasize the potential advantages of the school environment and value children's voices.