THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN GREEN SPACE ACCESSIBILITY AND SELF-REPORTED MENTAL HEALTH STATUS IN URBAN ADULTS

Urbanization has accelerated globally, with over 55% of the world's population residing in urban areas—a figure projected to reach 70% by 2050. This demographic shift has heightened concerns about the mental health implications of urban living, particularly the role of environmental factors in psychological well-being. This comprehensive work examines the association between green space accessibility and self-reported mental health status among urban adults, synthesizing evidence from longitudinal and cross-sectional studies published between 2020 and 2026. Drawing upon theoretical frameworks including Attention Restoration Theory (ART) and Stress Reduction Theory (SRT), this research investigates three primary pathways through which green spaces influence mental health: psychological restoration, physical activity promotion, and social cohesion facilitation. The work presents a systematic review of recent empirical evidence, demonstrates mixed but predominantly protective associations between green space accessibility and mental health outcomes, and explores critical moderating factors including socioeconomic status, gender, age, and green space quality. Key findings indicate that proximity alone is insufficient to confer mental health benefits; rather, green space quality, safety, usability, and biodiversity significantly moderate the association. A scoping review methodology was employed, analyzing 44 longitudinal studies and 25 cross-sectional studies published between 2020 and 2026, with findings organized thematically across four chapters. The research contributes to evidence-based urban planning by identifying specific green space characteristics and population subgroups that maximize mental health benefits. Recommendations include prioritizing accessible, high-quality green spaces in underserved neighborhoods, incorporating green views into residential design, and developing nature-based interventions for primary care settings.
Keywords: green space accessibility, mental health, urban adults, Attention Restoration Theory, Stress Reduction Theory, nature-based solutions, urban planning, health equity