Journal of Iranian Social Studies

Abstract The present study aims at identifying factors affecting children's happiness in the open spaces of residential complexes. Happiness, as a multidimensional phenomenon, includes social (positive relationships with others), emotional (experience of positive emotions), and cognitive (satisfaction) dimensions, which interact to shape the overall experience of happiness. In terms of purpose, the research is applied, in terms of type, it is quantitative, and in terms of method, it is survey-based and descriptive-analytical. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, one-sample t-test, and regression analysis in SPSS_v.24. The results of the Pearson correlation test, with a coefficient of 0.639, confirmed the research hypothesis that there is a positive and direct relationship between the environmental-physical qualities of open spaces in residential complexes and children's happiness. The highest correlation was found for environmental legibility and clarity (0.633), followed by green space (0.577). The predictability of happiness based on environmental factors was determined through regression analysis. The results showed that variables such as the vehicular movement system (0.169) and physical environmental amenities (0.177) had an indirect effect on happiness, while other variables, such as environmental legibility and clarity (direct effect 0.271 and indirect effect 0.232), green space (direct effect 0.366 and indirect effect 0.189), and pedestrian access (direct effect 0.218 and indirect effect 0.203), had both direct and indirect effects. The findings indicate that children prefer activity and dynamism in the environment over pre-determined facilities for experiencing satisfaction and happiness. Therefore, future research may focus on investigating children's preferred activities in the open spaces of residential complexes and identifying the necessary environmental capabilities for these activities.