Neighbourhood green space exposure as a mediator in the relationship between socioeconomic status and mental health

Individuals with low socioeconomic status are at a higher risk of having poor mental health outcomes compared to individuals with high socioeconomic status. A growing body of research has demonstrated that living in neighbourhoods with high levels of green space exposure has a positive effect on mental health outcomes, however it is unclear how green space exposure affects mental health outcomes for individuals with different levels of socioeconomic status. This study will determine if green space exposure is a mediating factor in the relationship between socioeconomic status and mental health in Canada. It will also determine if increased green space exposure reduces the socioeconomic-gradient of mental health outcomes, which has implications for improving mental health equity through green space interventions.