The Association between Green Space and Adolescents' Mental Well-Being: A Systematic Review.

Yijun Zhang,Jinfeng Zhao,Suzanne Mavoa,Deborah Raphael,Melody Smith

doi:10.3390/ijerph17186640

Abstract

This systematic review summarised and evaluated the evidence for associations between green space and adolescents’ mental well-being. The PRISMA statement guidelines were followed for reporting systematic reviews. Fourteen articles met the inclusion criteria for this review. Synthesis suggests beneficial associations between green space exposure and reduced stress, positive mood, less depressive symptoms, better emotional well-being, improved mental health and behaviour, and decreased psychological distress in adolescents. Several studies found the relationship varied by demographic and socio-economic factors. The limited number of studies and the risk of bias were the main limitations, together with heterogeneity regarding green space and mental well-being assessments. Overall, this review highlights the potential contribution of green space in schoolyards. Improving the availability, accessibility and quality of green space is likely to generate positive impacts on adolescents’ mental well-being. More consistent evidence on the use of different types of green space and perceptions of features are needed in the future.

Highlights

Mental well-being is a fundamental component of health and quality of life, encompassing aspects of hedonic and eudaimonic well-being [1,2]
A formal meta-analysis approach was judged inappropriate for this research because of the heterogeneity of green space and mental health outcome measures
This review identified factors influencing the relationship between green space and the mental well-being of adolescents and potential mediators and moderators of the relationship

Summary

Introduction

Mental well-being is a fundamental component of health and quality of life, encompassing aspects of hedonic and eudaimonic well-being [1,2]. It is conceptualised as more than the absence of mental illness, and is protective for a range of health outcomes [3]. 10% and 20% of the world’s population of children and adolescents have mental disorders and problems, with half of all mental illnesses beginning by the age of 14 [9]. Decreasing rates of mental well-being and an increasing prevalence of early onset mental problems suggest the need for a better insight into determinants and triggers to enhance mental well-being among this age group

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion