A Primrose Path? Moderating Effects of Age and Gender in the Association between Green Space and Mental Health

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2016 May 11;13(5):492. doi: 10.3390/ijerph13050492.

Abstract

This paper explored whether the association between green space and mental health is moderated by age and gender. Questionnaires on psychopathology and quality of life were filled out by 4924 individuals from the general Dutch population and regressed on greenness levels. Green space was associated with better mental health, but only in specific age and gender groups, and only in a 3 km, not a 1 km buffer. The moderating effects of age and gender may be explained by whether or not people have the opportunity to make use of their green living environment.

Keywords: anxiety; depression; green environment; quality of life; stress.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Environment*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health*
  • Middle Aged
  • Netherlands
  • Quality of Life
  • Residence Characteristics*
  • Sex Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult