ISSN: 3030-3931, Impact factor: 7,241
Volume 8, issue2, Iyul 2025
https://worldlyjournals.com/index.php/Yangiizlanuvchi
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Original article
161
GREEN SPACES AND YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH: WHY CITIES NEED MORE
PARKS
Sodiqova Mumtozbegim Olimjon kizi
Uzbekistan State World Languages University
Faculty of English language and literature
3
rd
- year student
Abstract:
Urbanization has led to a significant reduction in accessible green spaces, coinciding
with a rise in mental health issues among youth. This article explores the relationship between
urban green spaces and the mental well-being of young people. Drawing from recent studies and
real-world examples, it highlights the psychological, cognitive, and social benefits of green
spaces for youth. The article also discusses the challenges of equitable access to green spaces
and offers policy recommendations to integrate nature into urban planning for the betterment of
youth mental health.
Keywords
: Green spaces, Youth mental health, Urban parks, Urban planning, Environmental
equity, Nature therapy
Аннотация:
Урбанизация привела к значительному сокращению доступных зелёных зон,
что совпадает с ростом психических расстройств среди молодёжи. В данной статье
исследуется взаимосвязь между городскими зелёными пространствами и психическим
благополучием молодых людей. Основываясь на последних исследованиях и реальных
примерах, статья подчёркивает психологические, когнитивные и социальные
преимущества зелёных зон для молодёжи. Также рассматриваются проблемы равного
доступа к зелёным зонам и предлагаются рекомендации по включению природы в
городское планирование для улучшения психического здоровья молодёжи.
Ключевые слова
: зелёные зоны, психическое здоровье молодёжи, городские парки,
градостроительство, экологическое равенство, природная терапия
Annotatsiya:
Urbanizatsiya natijasida mavjud yashil hududlar keskin kamaydi, bu esa yoshlarda
ruhiy salomatlik muammolarining ko‘payishi bilan bir vaqtda sodir bo‘ldi. Ushbu maqola shahar
yashil hududlari va yoshlarning ruhiy salomatligi o‘rtasidagi bog‘liqlikni o‘rganadi. So‘nggi
tadqiqotlar va hayotiy misollar asosida maqolada yashil hududlarning psixologik, kognitiv va
ijtimoiy foydalari yoritilgan. Shuningdek, yashil hududlarga teng kirish imkoniyatidagi
muammolar muhokama qilinib, shaharsozlikda tabiatni integratsiyalash orqali yoshlarda ruhiy
salomatlikni yaxshilash bo‘yicha siyosiy tavsiyalar berilgan.
Kalit so‘zlar
: Yashil hududlar, yoshlar ruhiy salomatligi, shahar bog‘lari, shaharsozlik, ekologik
tenglik, tabiat terapiyasi
Introduction
ISSN: 3030-3931, Impact factor: 7,241
Volume 8, issue2, Iyul 2025
https://worldlyjournals.com/index.php/Yangiizlanuvchi
worldly knowledge
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Original article
162
In today's rapidly urbanizing world, young people are increasingly disconnected from nature.
Concrete jungles have replaced lush greenery, leading to environments that may contribute to
stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues among youth. As cities expand, the necessity to
integrate green spaces becomes paramount, not just for environmental reasons but for the
psychological well-being of their younger residents.
The Psychological Benefits of Green Spaces
Exposure to green spaces has been consistently linked to improved mental health outcomes in
youth. A systematic review found that green space exposure correlates with reduced behavioral
problems, enhanced cognitive functions, and improved emotional well-being in children and
adolescents . These natural environments provide a respite from urban stressors, offering a
calming effect that can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.[1].
The Attention Restoration Theory suggests that natural settings help restore depleted attention
capacities, leading to better focus and reduced mental fatigue . For adolescents juggling
academic pressures and social dynamics, such restorative environments can be invaluable.[2].
Cognitive and Academic Advantages
Beyond emotional benefits, green spaces contribute to cognitive development. Studies have
shown that children with greater access to green spaces exhibit better attention spans, memory
retention, and overall academic performance . The natural environment stimulates curiosity and
exploration, fostering learning outside traditional classroom settings.
Moreover, schools that have integrated green spaces into their infrastructure report not only
improved academic outcomes but also enhanced student behavior and social interactions .
Social and Behavioral Development
Green spaces serve as communal areas where youth can engage in social activities, promoting
prosocial behaviors. A systematic review highlighted that access to green spaces is associated
with increased prosocial behavior among children and adolescents . These environments
encourage cooperation, empathy, and community engagement, essential traits for holistic
development.[3].
Equity and Accessibility Challenges
Despite the evident benefits, access to green spaces is not equitably distributed. Low-income and
marginalized communities often reside in areas with limited or poorly maintained green spaces.
For instance, in Los Angeles County, tree canopy coverage is disproportionately higher in
affluent neighborhoods compared to under-served areas . This disparity exacerbates existing
health and social inequalities.[4].
Addressing these inequities requires intentional urban planning and policy interventions to
ensure all youth have equal opportunities to reap the benefits of green spaces.
Policy Recommendations
ISSN: 3030-3931, Impact factor: 7,241
Volume 8, issue2, Iyul 2025
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Original article
163
To harness the full potential of green spaces for youth mental health, the following policy actions
are recommended:
Integrate Green Spaces in Urban Planning
: Mandate the inclusion of parks and natural areas
in city development plans, especially in underserved neighborhoods.
School-Based Greening Initiatives
: Encourage schools to develop green spaces within their
premises, facilitating daily interaction with nature for students .
Community Engagement Programs
: Involve local communities in the planning and
maintenance of green spaces to ensure they meet the specific needs of the youth population.
Research and Monitoring
: Invest in longitudinal studies to monitor the impact of green spaces
on youth mental health, guiding evidence-based policy decisions.[5].
Conclusion
Green spaces are more than just aesthetic additions to urban landscapes; they are vital
components for nurturing the mental health and overall development of young people. As cities
continue to grow, integrating nature into urban environments should be a priority, ensuring that
future generations have the necessary resources to thrive mentally, emotionally, and socially.
REFERENCES:
1. Tillmann, S., et al. (2018). Impact of Green Space Exposure on Children's and Adolescents'
Mental Health: A Systematic Review.
International Journal of Environmental Research and
Public Health
, 15(12), 2668.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+2mdpi.com+2PubMed+2
2. Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1989).
The Experience of Nature: A Psychological Perspective
.
Cambridge University Press.Wikipedia
3. Putra, I. G. N. E., et al. (2020). The Relationship Between Green Space and Prosocial
Behaviour Among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review.
Frontiers in Psychology
, 11,
859.Frontiers
4. The Guardian. (2025). This LA school is planting trees to 'supercharge' childhood
development. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/16/la-schools-
5. Norwood, M. F., et al. (2019). The Association between Green Space and Adolescents’
Mental Well-Being: A Systematic Review.
International Journal of Environmental Research
and Public Health
, 17(18), 6640.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
