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

Author

Listed:
  • Yijun Zhang

    (School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand)

  • Suzanne Mavoa

    (Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia)

  • Jinfeng Zhao

    (School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand)

  • Deborah Raphael

    (School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand)

  • Melody Smith

    (School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Yijun Zhang & Suzanne Mavoa & Jinfeng Zhao & Deborah Raphael & Melody Smith, 2020. "The Association between Green Space and Adolescents’ Mental Well-Being: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-26, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:18:p:6640-:d:412351
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    10. Da Mao & Huijie Yang & Shaohua Zhang & Haozhe Sun & Xiaojuan Wang, 2024. "Adaptive Behavioral Dynamics in Public Open Spaces During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Technological Perspective on Urban Resilience," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 15(3), pages 12651-12677, September.
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    13. Ferdinando Fornara & Elena Rinallo & Massimiliano Scopelliti, 2023. "Contact with Nature in Social Deprivation during COVID-19: The Positive Impact on Anxiety," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(14), pages 1-14, July.
    14. Amber L. Pearson & Catherine D. Brown & Aaron Reuben & Natalie Nicholls & Karin A. Pfeiffer & Kimberly A. Clevenger, 2023. "Elementary Classroom Views of Nature Are Associated with Lower Child Externalizing Behavior Problems," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(9), pages 1-14, April.
    15. Wendy Ellyatt, 2022. "Education for Human Flourishing—A New Conceptual Framework for Promoting Ecosystemic Wellbeing in Schools," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-23, November.
    16. Ursula Pool & Anna Kenyon & Lynn Froggett & Mark Dooris, 2023. "Beside the Seaside: Reflections on Local Green and Blue Spaces from Adults Aged over 50 in a Coastal Community," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(14), pages 1-13, July.
    17. Na’Taki Osborne Jelks & Viniece Jennings & Alessandro Rigolon, 2021. "Green Gentrification and Health: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-23, January.
    18. Jooyoung Lee & Ki Han Kwon, 2023. "Promoting Sustainable Learning in the Post-Pandemic Era: Focused on the Role of Motivation, Growth Mindset, Self-Regulated Learning, Well-Being, and Smart Device Utilization," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-21, September.

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