A UK study explored the positive effects that urban green space has on an individual's physical and mental well-being. People who live in areas with higher amounts of green space such as parks and gardens were happier than those who live in city areas that don't, according to the study.

The research focused on life satisfaction and psychological ill-health and mental distress, such as depression. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) was used as an assessment tool.

Data used in the study consisted of surveys from over 10,000 participants received from the British Household Panel Survey. From 1991-2008, data was collected from the participants individually from over 5,000 households.  The Generalised Land Use Database identifies land use across England and reports it in geographic units. Researchers referenced this to determine the geographic location of green space.

"Living in an urban area with relatively high levels of green space compared to one with relatively low levels of green space was associated with a positive impact on well-being equivalent to roughly a third of the impact of being married vs. unmarried and a tenth of the impact of being employed vs. unemployed," social psychology expert Dr. Mathew White said.

Researchers found that people living in urban areas that had larger amounts of green space tended to be happier. According to the GHQ scores, compared to people who lived in areas that had less green space, a higher sense of well-being and lower level of mental distress was observed.

"This research could be important for psychologists, public health officials and urban planners who are interested in learning about the effects that urbanization and city planning can have on population health and well-being," White said. Findings in the study conducted by the European Centre for Environment & Human Health were published in the journal Psychological Science.