Urban

green space exposure associated with relief of mental disorders

Exact: -0.32

Urban green spaces are associated with a reduction in mental disorders in older adults and those with dementia (effect size -0.32)

An effect size of -0.32 for relief of mental disorders (including depression) was among the more notable findings of this meta-analysis. This suggests that regular exposure to urban green spaces, particularly community gardens, can meaningfully alleviate mental health conditions in people with dementia and older populations.

The specific performance of these green spaces is as follows: reduced incidence of dementia (-0.06), improved social participation (0.14), increased physical isolation (0.54), reduced anxiety (-0.28), relieved depression, relieved mental disorders (-0.32), calmed agitation (-0.06), increased positive emotions (0.10), reduced sadness and anger, improved quality of life, enhanced cognitive function (0.52), and improved sleep.
Yixin Zhang et al., 2025, Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews

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