Mental health benefits of specific blue space types and characteristics: A systematic evidence map.

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: Not applicable for evidence mapping

• Effect Size: Not quantified due to evidence mapping methodology

• Primary Outcome: Mental health and wellbeing benefits from blue space exposure

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Coastal environments most studied (94/139 studies); affect most assessed outcome (74/139 studies)

• Confidence Interval: Not applicable for evidence mapping

Clinical Application

Limited by lack of specific recommendations for blue space characteristics or optimal exposure duration Highly relevant given Australia's extensive coastline and blue spaces, though evidence base lacks Australian-specific studies. Could inform public health initiatives and urban planning decisions. General population seeking mental health benefits from environmental exposure

Abstract

Natural environments support mental health and wellbeing, yet limited evidence exists about which types or characteristics are most beneficial. This is particularly true for blue spaces (natural or manmade outdoor environments featuring water). This evidence map investigates the mental health and wellbeing benefits associated with specific blue space types (e.g. coast, river) and characteristics (e.g. sounds). Following PRISMA guidelines, specific keywords were used to search for articles published from inception to March 2025. A total of 139 papers were included, examining the relationships between specific blue space types or characteristics and mental health. Coastal environments were the most frequently studied blue space (94 studies). Affect was the most assessed mental health outcome (74 studies). Most studies were conducted in European and Asian countries. Most studies compared blue spaces to urban or a green space environments, rather than other blue spaces. Only six studies directly compared different blue space types within the same study. Overall, the current evidence base does not allow for comparisons between different blue space types or characteristics, due to the limited number of direct comparisons and substantial heterogeneity across study designs, outcome measures, geographical contexts, blue space descriptions, and study populations. Future research should prioritize direct comparisons between different blue spaces, preferably including the detailed descriptions and analyses of specific characteristics, and examine the role of amount and type of exposure to better inform evidence-based recommendations for blue spaces and mental health.

References

1. 1.Beute, F., Marselle, M. R., Olszewska-Guizzo, A., Andreucci, M. B., Lammel, A., Davies, Z. G., Glanville, J., Keune, H., O'Brien, L., Remmen, R., Russo, A., & de Vries, S. (2026). Mental health benefits of specific blue space types and characteristics: A systematic evidence map. Environmental Research, 124054. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2026.124054