Living near parks and other green spaces as a child is associated with better mental health in adulthood, suggests a study in PNAS. Researchers analyzed geographic information systems data and data from the Danish Civil Registration System on more than 900,000 Danes born between 1985 and 2003. Even after controlling for sociodemographic status, parental mental health and other factors, the researchers found that growing up near green space was associated with a 15- to 55-percent reduction in the incidence of mental illnesses and behavioral health disorders, including substance use, eating and mood disorders and others. The only disorders not significantly associated with childhood proximity to green space were intellectual disability and schizoaffective disorder. (Monitor on Psychology)

Susie Bean Gives