Exploring the impact of urban green spaces on behavioral and psychological well-being: Based on the context of urban villages and ordinary neighborhoods in Shenzhen, China

• This study focuses on the behavior and health effects of residents in urban villages and ordinary residential areas in Shenzhen regarding their use of urban green spaces. • A quantitative survey reveals significant correlations between the frequency, duration, level of activity participation, and social interaction in green spaces and residents' health status. • Two partial mediating pathways were identified: usage frequency → social network → mental health; activity participation → blood oxygen saturation, both of which were lower in urban villages. • Urban village residents exhibited a “weekend-compensatory” green space usage pattern, with short single visits that made it difficult to obtain sustained health benefits. With the acceleration of urbanization, the impact of urban green space (UGS) on public health has received increasing attention. The aim of this study is to investigate the behavioral and psychological impacts of UGS use on residents of urban village areas (UVAs) and ordinary residential areas (ORAs) in Shenzhen from different economic backgrounds. A quantitative survey of 184 ORA residents and 205 UVA residents was conducted. We analyzed the relationships of the frequency of green space use, the duration of green space use, the level of activity participation, and social interaction with residents’ health status. Significant correlations were found between the use of UGSs and residents’ living environment, social characteristics and physical and mental health. Residents of ORAs not only accessed green spaces more frequently and for longer periods, but also exhibited more stable physical and mental health profiles than their UVA counterparts. Structural-equation modelling revealed two partially mediated pathways: 1) higher use frequency bolstered social networks, which in turn improved mental health; 2) greater activity participation was associated with higher blood-oxygen saturation. Crucially, these pathways were significantly attenuated among UVA residents, underscoring how deficits in green-space availability, quality and perceived safety erode health benefits. By highlighting these differences, the study provides planners with evidence-based strategies to promote environmental justice and health equity in China's rapid urbanization process.