Nature Nearby: Use of Green Spaces Mediating the Relationship Between Access to Green Spaces and Health

Access to green spaces has been consistently linked to improved physical and mental health, yet the mechanisms driving this relationship remain underexplored, particularly in the United States. Using data from the 2018 General Social Survey (N = 1,045), this study examines whether time spent in natural environments mediates the relationship between access to green spaces and self‑rated physical and mental health. Linear regression models with robust standard errors reveal that time spent in natural environments mediates the relationship between access to green spaces and both health outcomes. These findings suggest that proximity to green spaces alone is insufficient to produce health benefits; rather, regular use of these spaces is critical. The results have important implications for urban planning and public health policy, emphasizing the need to design and promote green spaces in ways that encourage sustained engagement.