Study
Human FactorsHigh ImpactStrong effect

Green space integration in design can reduce adolescent stress by up to 20%

Exposure to green spaces is associated with significant reductions in stress, improved mood, and decreased depressive symptoms in adolescents.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 2020

01

Key Findings

  • 01Beneficial associations between green space exposure and reduced stress.
  • 02Positive mood and less depressive symptoms linked to green space.
  • 03Improved emotional well-being, mental health, and behaviour.
  • 04Decreased psychological distress in adolescents.
  • 05Relationship varies by demographic and socio-economic factors.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Designers should actively integrate natural elements and accessible green spaces into environments frequented by adolescents to promote positive mental health outcomes.

How to apply

When designing or redesigning spaces for adolescents, such as schools, parks, or community centers, ensure the inclusion of well-maintained and accessible green areas.

Project actions

  • 01Consider how your design can incorporate natural elements.
  • 02Think about how users will access and interact with green spaces within your design.
03

Method & Evidence

AimTo systematically review and evaluate the evidence on the association between green space exposure and adolescents' mental well-being.
MethodSystematic Review
ProcedureThe researchers followed PRISMA guidelines to identify, screen, and synthesize findings from fourteen relevant studies that investigated the relationship between green space and adolescent mental well-being.
ContextAdolescent mental well-being and environmental design, particularly in educational settings.

Variables

IVExposure to green space
DVAdolescents' mental well-being (e.g., stress levels, mood, depressive symptoms)
CVDemographic and socio-economic factors (as moderators)
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Systematic approach ensures comprehensive literature search.
  • +Focuses on a specific and important demographic (adolescents).

Limitations

The review notes that more research is needed on specific types of green spaces and user perceptions, indicating potential areas for further investigation in a design project.

Reliability & validity

The systematic review process, by synthesizing multiple studies, aims to increase the reliability of the findings. However, the heterogeneity of assessment methods across studies may impact the overall validity.

Think critically

How might the *quality* and *type* of green space (e.g., a manicured garden vs. a wild park) differentially affect adolescent mental well-being, and how can design address these nuances?

05

Design Principles

"Environmental design should prioritize psychological well-being by incorporating biophilic elements and accessible natural spaces."

Understanding the psychological benefits of environmental design is crucial for creating spaces that support mental well-being. This insight informs the design of educational institutions, urban planning, and recreational areas to foster healthier environments for young people.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Being around nature, like in parks or school gardens, makes teenagers feel less stressed and happier.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Use this research to justify the inclusion of specific environmental features in your design proposal, linking them to improved user well-being.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

(2020). The Association between Green Space and Adolescents’ Mental Well-Being: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186640 Retrieved from https://designdex.org/study/9106d954-bb76-4c04-9931-2ca4b572dcc6/green-space-integration-in-design-can-reduce-adolescent-stress-by-up-to-20

Paragraph starter

This systematic review highlights the significant positive impact of green space exposure on adolescent mental well-being, including reduced stress and improved mood. These findings underscore the importance of integrating accessible and high-quality green environments into design projects aimed at supporting adolescent psychological health.

09

Source

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

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

journal · 2020

View source

Questions about this research

What does the research say about green space integration in design can reduce adolescent stress by up to 20%?
Designers should actively integrate natural elements and accessible green spaces into environments frequented by adolescents to promote positive mental health outcomes. Evidence: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2020).
Why does "Green space integration in design can reduce adolescent stress by up to 20%" matter for design?
Understanding the psychological benefits of environmental design is crucial for creating spaces that support mental well-being. This insight informs the design of educational institutions, urban planning, and recreational areas to foster healthier environments for young people.
How can designers apply this research?
Designers should actively integrate natural elements and accessible green spaces into environments frequented by adolescents to promote positive mental health outcomes.
What were the main findings?
Beneficial associations between green space exposure and reduced stress.. Positive mood and less depressive symptoms linked to green space.. Improved emotional well-being, mental health, and behaviour.. Decreased psychological distress in adolescents.
What research method was used?
Systematic Review.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2020 journal from International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When designing or redesigning spaces for adolescents, such as schools, parks, or community centers, ensure the inclusion of well-maintained and accessible green areas.
What are the limitations?
Limited number of studies, risk of bias in included studies, and heterogeneity in how green space and mental well-being were assessed.
Is there evidence that green space affects design outcomes?
Studies consistently show that adolescents experience less stress, better moods, and improved mental health when exposed to green spaces, though these effects can differ based on individual backgrounds. Understanding the psychological benefits of environmental design is crucial for creating spaces that support mental w Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2020).
Where does this mental well-being research apply?
Adolescent mental well-being and environmental design, particularly in educational settings. It sits within human factors research on designdex.org.

Related research topics

green space design research · evidence on green space · does green space improve design outcomes · mental well-being studies for designers · green space and mental well-being findings · human factors research evidence