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Methods
The following databases were searched to identify relevant peer-reviewed sources:
Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus, CINAHL plus, Global Health and CAB Abstracts. These
databases were searched due to their relevance and broad scope (including social and
natural sciences, and medical literature).
After removing duplicates, reviewers screened the studies and extracted relevant data using a structured form to provide a broad overview of existing evidence on how green space affects mental health and quality of life.
Introduction
What is the state of the evidence base for exposure to green space to reduce the risk of anxiety and depression among young people living in urban settings?
How does exposure to green space affect the risk of anxiety and depression in young people living in cities?
Results
many studies measured anxiety using the Profile of Mood States scale (McNair and
Lorr, 1964). Therefore, the outcomes reported for most studies were defined as “Other”, which
included well-being, stress, quality of life, mood, mental health and physiological
measures.
Many studies measured anxiety using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) scale, a tool that assesses different aspects of a person’s mood, such as tension, depression, and fatigue. Because of this, most study outcomes were grouped as “Other,” including well-being, stress, quality of life, mood, mental health, and physiological measures.
Discussion
most studies reported more general mental health outcomes rather
than clinical measures of anxiety or depression, and that most studies were conducted in
North America or Europe.
majority of studies focused on general mental health outcomes instead of clinically measured anxiety or depression, and most were carried out in North America or Europe.
Future Directions
Future research could examine how varying amounts of nearby green space affect children’s mental health over time, rather than using broad definitions of green space. For example, comparing students at schools surrounded by trees or forests with those in highly urbanized areas could reveal differences in stress, social interactions, and life satisfaction.
Difficult Material
The most challenging part of this paper was understanding how the researchers measured and compared different types of green space exposure, such as short visits versus long-term residential proximity. Clarifying how these varying exposures affect quality of life and mental health outcomes would help show the gradual impact of green space on anxiety and depression.