Green spaces and mental health in the context of materialism: A comparative analysis before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

To investigate the potential change in the value of greenery due to increased time spent near homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study examined whether the relationship between green spaces within walking distance from homes and mental health has changed before and during the pandemic. Additionally, the study explored the potential shift to nonmaterialism during this period, assessing how this change in mindset might have influenced the relationship between greenery and mental health. According to our analysis, in March 2017 (before the pandemic), green spaces around residential areas showed a positive correlation with mental health for up to approximately 50 % green coverage rate; beyond this threshold, a negative correlation was observed. The analysis of March 2021 (during the pandemic) showed that green spaces around residential areas had a positive correlation with mental health for 0 % to approximately 50 % green coverage, similar to the findings of March 2017. However, unlike 2017 results, no negative correlation was observed beyond 50 % green coverage. Accordingly, we conclude that during the pandemic, people living in areas with relatively higher green coverage had better mental health compared to pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, a comparison between March 2017 and March 2021 indicated a general shift towards less materialistic attitudes. This shift might have contributed to mental health improvement during the COVID-19 crisis. If the trend toward nonmaterialistic thinking continues to rise over the long term, the benefits derived from green spaces are expected to increase. • We investigate the relationship between green spaces and mental health. • We find that the relationship differs before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. • A shift towards non-materialistic thinking spread during the pandemic. • This shift resulted in an increased positive impact of greenery on mental health. • The positive impact was observed especially in regions with abundant greenery.