The Relationship Between Greenspace Exposure and Psychopathology Symptoms: A Systematic Review

Greenspace exposure is associated with psychological benefits. In this systematic review, we summarized and critically evaluated the literature on the relationship between greenspace exposure (i.e., objective and subjective assessments of interactions with nature) and psychopathology incidence and symptom severity in those with and without a clinical diagnosis. A secondary aim of our review was to examine potential interactions between greenspace exposure and urban environmental features (e.g., pollution, population density) associated with poorer mental health. We identified 40 studies published between January 1, 1981, and July 31, 2020, from PubMed and PsycINFO electronic database search. Although heterogeneous in assessments of greenspace exposure and psychopathology symptom domain, the majority of cross-sectional and longitudinal evidence found that objectively assessed greenspace exposure (e.g., satellite measures of greenery) was related to less severe symptoms and lower incidence of psychopathology in children (e.g., attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms) and adults (e.g., depression symptoms). In addition, five studies that assessed urban environmental features suggest that greenspace exposure may show a net positive relationship with psychopathology over and above the absence of urban features. We discuss limitations of the literature and future directions, including more mechanistic work to delineate the potential cognitive, affective, and behavioral factors that may contribute to the beneficial relationship between greenspace exposure and psychological health.