Is a View of Green Spaces from Home Associated with a Lower Risk of Anxiety and Depression?

Olta Braçe, Marco Garrido-Cumbrera, Ronan Foley, José Correa-Fernández, Gina Suárez-Cáceres and Raffaele Lafortezza

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020. 17(19):7014

Objetive

Although a large body of research supports the theory that exposure to nature results in mental health benefits, research evidence on the effects of having a view of green space from home is still scarce. The aim of the present study is to assess the impact that access to a green space view from home has on anxiety and depression.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study extracting data from the «2018 Green Spaces, Daily Habits and Urban Health Survey» conducted in Carmona (Spain). The study included variables on sociodemographic and lifestyle, view of green spaces from home, self-perceived health status, and risk of anxiety and depression measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Chi-square tests were used to assess variable’s associations and a multiple linear regression models used to identify the variables explaining the risk of anxiety and depression, taking into account sociodemographic characteristics, frequency of visits and view of green spaces from home.

Results

According to our results, adults who enjoy a view of green spaces from home have a lower risk of anxiety and depression.

Conclusion

Views of green spaces from home can help to improve the mental health status of the population, in particular, anxiety and depression. The results suggest that adults who do not have access to a green space view from home are associated with a higher risk of anxiety and depression. The study outcomes demonstrate that green views are associated with a lower risk of anxiety and depression. The elements of nature are not only amenities or a source of pleasure, but essential to well-being and mental restoration. Therefore, a window view, which provides long-term contact with the natural environment, should be considered a key element in urban design.

Enlace al artículo: 10.3390/ijerph17197014