Is vegetation cover in key behaviour settings important for early childhood socioemotional function? A preregistered, cross-sectional study

Vegetation near young children’s homes is associated with decreased emotional difficulties

Mygind, L., Elsborg, P., Schipperijn, J., Boruff, B., Lum, J. A. G., Bølling, M., Flensborg-Madsen, T., Bentsen, P., Enticott, P. G., Christian, H., (2022). Is vegetation cover in key behaviour settings important for early childhood socioemotional function? A preregistered, cross-sectional study. Developmental Science, 25(3)

Project nature: Promoting outdoor physical activity in children via primary care

Involving primary care providers may be one way to promote children’s outdoor physical activity

Griffin, G. M., Nieto, C., Senturia, K., Brown, M., Garrett, K., Nguyen, E., Glassy, D., Kroshus, E., Tandon, P., (2024). Project nature: Promoting outdoor physical activity in children via primary care. BMC Primary Care, 25(68 )

Eco-capabilities: Arts-in-nature for supporting nature visibilisation and wellbeing in children

An arts-in-nature program helps children connect with nature and appreciate nature’s contribution to their own wellbeing

Walshe, N., Perry, J., Moula, Z., (2023). Eco-capabilities: Arts-in-nature for supporting nature visibilisation and wellbeing in children. Sustainability, 15(16)

Investigating spatial heterogeneity of park inequity using three access measures: A case study in Hartford, Connecticut

An unbiased park equity assessment needs to consider multiple park access dimensions

Zhang, P., Park, S., (2023). Investigating spatial heterogeneity of park inequity using three access measures: A case study in Hartford, Connecticut. Applied Geography, 151

What shapes uneven access to urban amenities? Thick injustice and the legacy of racial discrimination in Denver’s parks

Understanding the mechanisms that contribute to park access inequities is a critical step in resolving this environmental justice issue

Rigolon, A., Németh, J., (2021). What shapes uneven access to urban amenities? Thick injustice and the legacy of racial discrimination in Denver’s parks. Journal of Planning Education and Research, 41(3), 312-325 .

Infuence of Neighborhood built environments on the outdoor free play of young children: a systematic, mixed‐studies review and thematic synthesis

Nearby parks, safe access routes, and neighborhood designs that facilitate social connection encourage young children’s outdoor free play

Gemmell, E., Ramsden, R., Brussoni, M., Brauer, M., (2023). Infuence of Neighborhood built environments on the outdoor free play of young children: a systematic, mixed‐studies review and thematic synthesis. Journal of Urban Health, 100, 118–150.

Nature-based interventions: A scoping review illuminating the field’s swift evolution, wide applicability for health and well-being, and the need for enhanced reporting

Literature review on the beneficial impacts of nature-based intervention studies highlights the need for enhanced reporting

Moyers-Kinsella, S. I., Kelley, G. A., Abildso, C. G., (2024). Nature-based interventions: A scoping review illuminating the field’s swift evolution, wide applicability for health and well-being, and the need for enhanced reporting. Ecopsychology

Greenspace exposure and children behavior: A systematic review

Children with exposure to more greenspace often demonstrate fewer behavioral problems

Sakhvidi, M. J. Z., Knobel, P., Bauwelinck, M., de Keijzer, C., Boll, L. M., Spano, G., Ubalde-Lopez, M., Sanesi, G., Mehrparvar, A. H., Jacquemin, B., Dadvand, P., (2022). Greenspace exposure and children behavior: A systematic review. Science of the Total Environment, 824

The association between natural environments and childhood mental health and development: A systematic review and assessment of different exposure measurements

Children’s exposure to natural environments is associated with positive mental health outcomes but the overall evidence is limited by methodological differences

Davis, Z., Guhn, M., Jarvis, I., Jarrett, M., Nesbitt, L., Oberlander, T., Sbihi, H., Su, J., van den Bosch, M., (2021). The association between natural environments and childhood mental health and development: A systematic review and assessment of different exposure measurements. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 235

Associations between nature exposure and health: A review of the evidence

Nature is connected to a wide array of health benefits for children and youth

Jimenez, M. P., DeVille, N. V., Elliott, E. G., Schiff, J. E., Wilt, G. E., Hart, J. E., James, P., (2021). Associations between nature exposure and health: A review of the evidence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(9)

Nature prescribing or nature programming? Complementary practices to increase time in nature to support mental health

Complementary practices to increase time in nature can provide mental health benefits to people with different levels of need

Tate, W., Chawla, L., Sachs, A. L., Litt, J. S., Razani, N., (2024). Nature prescribing or nature programming? Complementary practices to increase time in nature to support mental health. Ecopsychology

The role of nature in emotion regulation processes: An evidence-based rapid review

Current research supports a positive connection between nature exposure and emotion regulation

Vitale, V., Bonaiuto, M., (2024). The role of nature in emotion regulation processes: An evidence-based rapid review. Journal of Environmental Psychology

Impactful co-design: Adult decision-makers’ perspectives on actualising children’s ideas for health-promoting neighbourhoods in Aotearoa New Zealand

Adult decision-makers may find a framework for “impactful co-design” helpful in engaging children in the design of health-promoting communities

Williams, T., Ward, K., Goodwin, D., Smith, M., (2024). Impactful co-design: Adult decision-makers’ perspectives on actualising children’s ideas for health-promoting neighbourhoods in Aotearoa New Zealand. Health and Place, 87

Benefits of nature exposure on cognitive functioning in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

School-based nature exposure interventions may restore and improve cognitive function

Nguyen, L., Walters, J., (2024). Benefits of nature exposure on cognitive functioning in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 96

Exploring mental health outcome variables in outdoor adventure and experiential education

Outdoor adventure and experiential education can reduce adolescents’ and young adults’ feelings of hopelessness and anxiety while increasing their resilience

Davidson, C., Ewert, A., (2024). Exploring mental health outcome variables in outdoor adventure and experiential education. Journal of Experiential Education, 47(2), 185–190.

Green versus grey break: children’s place experience of recess-time in primary schools’ natural and built area

Children engage in nature exploration and social interaction during recess in a natural schoolyard

Amicone, G., Collado, S., Perucchini, P., Petruccelli, I., Ariccio, S., Bonaiuto, M., (2024). Green versus grey break: children’s place experience of recess-time in primary schools’ natural and built area. Children's Geographies, 22(1), 15-29.

Which horticultural activities are more effective for children’s recovery from stress and mental fatigue? A quasi-experimental study

Indoor horticultural activities reduced stress in Chinese children after timed math activities

Guo, L., Xu, W., Shi, Y., Gao, S., Xiao, C., Zhang, X., Liu, X., Zhang, Q., Zhang, Y., (2024). Which horticultural activities are more effective for children’s recovery from stress and mental fatigue? A quasi-experimental study. Frontiers in Psychology

Methodological considerations for movement education interventions in natural environments for primary school children: A scoping review

Learning in nature is a feasible intervention for promoting positive learning outcomes for children

Petrigna, L., Thomas, E., Scardina, A., Rizzo, F., Brusa, J., Camarazza, G., Galassi, C., Palma, A., Bellafiore, M., (2022). Methodological considerations for movement education interventions in natural environments for primary school children: A scoping review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19

Systematic review: Neurodevelopmental benefits of active/passive school exposure to green and/or blue spaces in children and adolescents

Nature in the school environment supports children’s and adolescents’ healthy neurodevelopment

Díaz-Martínez, F., Sánchez-Sauco, M. F., Cabrera-Rivera, L. T., Ojeda Sánchez , C., Hidalgo-Albadalejo, M. D., Claudio, L., Ortega-García, J. A., (2023). Systematic review: Neurodevelopmental benefits of active/passive school exposure to green and/or blue spaces in children and adolescents. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20

Teacher and parent perception of biophilic conditions in primary-school environments and their impact on children’s wellbeing

Teachers with numerous biophilic elements in their schools report favorable views of biophilic design’s impact on learning

Lanzaro, B., Ucci, M., (2024). Teacher and parent perception of biophilic conditions in primary-school environments and their impact on children’s wellbeing. Architecture, 4(2)

Could nature contribute to the management of ADHD in children? A systematic review

Review finds strong evidence of nature’s benefits for children with ADHD

Hood, M., Baumann, O., (2024). Could nature contribute to the management of ADHD in children? A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21

Environmental justice in the context of access to urban green spaces for refugee children

Urban green spaces may not be safely accessible from the perspective of refugee children

Chen, S., Knöll, M., (2024). Environmental justice in the context of access to urban green spaces for refugee children. Land, 13

Interventions promoting pro-environmental behaviors in children: A meta-analysis and a research agenda

Meta-analysis finds that environmental interventions significantly increase children's pro-environmental behaviors, especially for younger children

Swiątkowski, W., Surret, F. L., Henry, J., Buchs, C., Visintin, E. P., Butera, F., (2024). Interventions promoting pro-environmental behaviors in children: A meta-analysis and a research agenda. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 96

Lifelong greenspace exposure and ADHD in Polish children: Role of physical activity and perceived neighbourhood characteristics

Greenspaces with tree cover increase children’s physical activity to reduce ADHD diagnoses

Buczyłowska, D., Singh, N., Baumbach, C., Bratkowski, J., Mysak, Y., Wierzba-Łukaszyk, M., Sitnik-Warchulska, K., Skotak, K., Lipowska, M., Izydorczyk, B., Szwed, M., Markevych, I., Dzhambov, A. M., (2024). Lifelong greenspace exposure and ADHD in Polish children: Role of physical activity and perceived neighbourhood characteristics. Journal of Environmental Psychology

Analysis of the use of public open spaces and physical activity levels in children and adolescents from Rivera (Uruguay)

Prioritizing playgrounds and sports fields in public open spaces can increase kids’ physical activity levels

Pintos-Toledo, E., Fernandez-Gimenez, S., Hino, A. A. F., Olivares, P. R., Brazo-Sayavera, J., (2024). Analysis of the use of public open spaces and physical activity levels in children and adolescents from Rivera (Uruguay). Health and Place, 88

Seeing awe: How children perceive awe-inspiring visual experiences

Sensitivity toward awe-inspiring visual experiences is present early in life

O'bi, A., Yang, F., (2024). Seeing awe: How children perceive awe-inspiring visual experiences. Child Development, 95, 1271–1286.

Investigating the conceptual model of child–nature interaction in architectural spaces using grounded theory

Study provides a conceptual model to incorporate children’s perspectives of their interactions with nature into architectural design

Soleimani, S., Molanaei, S., Khorshidi, B., Nedaei, C., Ghamari, H., (2024). Investigating the conceptual model of child–nature interaction in architectural spaces using grounded theory. Health Environments Research & Design Journal, 17(2)

Empathy capacity-building through a community of practice approach: Exploring perceived impacts and implications

A community of practice approach can enhance educators’ capacity for developing young children’s empathy for nature

Ernst, J., Underwood, C., Wojciehowski, M., Nayquonabe, T., (2024). Empathy capacity-building through a community of practice approach: Exploring perceived impacts and implications. Journal of Zoological and Botanical Garden, 5, 395-415.

Physical activity, time spent outdoors, and near work in relation to myopia prevalence, incidence, and progression: An overview of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses

Time spent outdoors has a protective effect on the onset of myopia

Karthikeyan, S.K., Ashwini, D. L., Priyanka, M., Nayak, A., Biswas, S., (2022). Physical activity, time spent outdoors, and near work in relation to myopia prevalence, incidence, and progression: An overview of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, 70(3), 728-739.

Nature-based interventions for autistic children A systematic review and meta-analysis

Nature-based interventions improve sensory, social, and behavioral outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder

Fan, M. S. N., Li, C. H. W, Ho, L. L. K., (2023). Nature-based interventions for autistic children A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open, 6(12)

Residential greenness and birth outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Increased levels of residential greenness may reduce the risks of negative birth outcomes

Hu, C., Yang, X., Gui, S., Ding, K., Huang, K., Fang, Y., Jiang, Z., Zhang, X., (2021). Residential greenness and birth outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Environmental Research, 193

Children’s pro-environmental behaviour: A systematic review of the literature

Review identifies internal and external factors underlying children’s development of pro-environmental behaviors

Liu, J., Green, J., (2024). Children’s pro-environmental behaviour: A systematic review of the literature. Resources, Conservation & Recycling, 205

Does exposure to greenness improve children’s neuropsychological development and mental health? A Navigation Guide systematic review of observational evidence for associations

Children with more green space around their home, school, and neighborhood have better neuropsychological and mental health outcomes

Luque-García, L., Corrales, A., Lertxundi, A., Díaz, S., Ibarluzea, J., (2022). Does exposure to greenness improve children’s neuropsychological development and mental health? A Navigation Guide systematic review of observational evidence for associations. Environmental Research, 206

Nature play in early childhood education: A systematic review and meta ethnography of qualitative research

Young children engage in higher quality play in nature than in non-nature settings

Prins, J., van der Wilt, F., van der Veen, C., Hovinga, D., (2022). Nature play in early childhood education: A systematic review and meta ethnography of qualitative research. Frontiers in Psychology, 13

Is School Gardening Combined with Physical Activity Intervention Effective for Improving Childhood Obesity? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

School gardening activities + physical activity improves children’s fruit and vegetable intake but not their weight status

Qi, Y., Hamzah, S. H., Gu, E., Wang, H., Xi, Y., Sun, M., Rong, S., Lin, Q., (2021). Is School Gardening Combined with Physical Activity Intervention Effective for Improving Childhood Obesity? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 13(2605)

School gardening activities aimed at obesity prevention improve body mass index and waist circumference parameters in school-aged children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

School gardening projects have a modest positive impact on children’s nutrition and body measurements

Rochira, A., Tedesco, D., Ubiali, A., Fantini, M. P., Gori, D., (2020). School gardening activities aimed at obesity prevention improve body mass index and waist circumference parameters in school-aged children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Childhood Obesity, 16(3)

Link of outdoor exposure in daycare with attentional control and academic achievement in adolescence: Examining cognitive and social pathways

Time spent outdoors in early childhood may offer long-term benefits for children’s social, cognitive, and academic functioning

Ulset, V. S., Borge, A. I. H., Vitaro, F., Brendgen, M., Bekkhus, M., (2023). Link of outdoor exposure in daycare with attentional control and academic achievement in adolescence: Examining cognitive and social pathways. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 85

Nature-based school environments for all children? comparing exposure to school-related green and blue infrastructure in four European cities

Enhanced urban greening efforts are needed to achieve equitable green and blue school infrastructure in some European cities

Gallez, E., Mujica, C. P. F., Gadeyne, S., Canters, F., Baró, F., (2024). Nature-based school environments for all children? comparing exposure to school-related green and blue infrastructure in four European cities. Ecological Indicators, 166

Nature connection in adulthood: The role of childhood nature experiences

Childhood nature experiences are associated with stronger nature connections in adulthood

Barrable, A., Friedman, S., Beloyianni, V., (2024). Nature connection in adulthood: The role of childhood nature experiences. People and Nature, 6(4)

Developing a connection to nature: The role of pet ownership in childhood

More engagement with a childhood pet may predict stronger nature connection in adults

Barrable, A., Friedman, S., (2024). Developing a connection to nature: The role of pet ownership in childhood. People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice, 7(1)

Children in Hong Kong interacting with relatively wild nature (vs. domestic nature) engage in less dominating and more relational behaviors

Interacting with relatively wild nature can promote less dominating, more relational behaviors

Lam, L., Kahn Jr, P. H., Weiss, T., (2023). Children in Hong Kong interacting with relatively wild nature (vs. domestic nature) engage in less dominating and more relational behaviors. Environmental Education Research, 29(9), 1294-1309.

Assessing the impact of blue and green spaces on mental health of disabled children: A scoping review

Exposure to blue and green space can reduce emotional, behavioral, and social problems in children with disabilities

Aghabozorgi, K., van der Jagt, A., Bell, S., Brown, C., (2023). Assessing the impact of blue and green spaces on mental health of disabled children: A scoping review. Health and Place, 84

Spatial design of childcare facilities based on biophilic design patterns

Study provides guidance for the biophilic design of childcare facilities

Park, S. J., Lee, H. C., (2019). Spatial design of childcare facilities based on biophilic design patterns. Sustainability, 11

Bracing Biophilia: When biophilic design promotes pupil’s attentional performance, perceived restorativeness and affiliation with nature

A biophilic designed learning environment promotes attentional performance, perceived restorativeness, and affiliation with nature

Barbiero, G., Berto, R., Venturella, A., Maculan, N., (2021). Bracing Biophilia: When biophilic design promotes pupil’s attentional performance, perceived restorativeness and affiliation with nature. Environment, Development and Sustainability

Tolerant greenspaces: Designing urban nature-based solutions that foster social ties and support mental health among young adults

Attention to order, diversity, and seclusion and retreat in NBS for urban greenspaces may make such spaces more appealing to young adults

Barron, S., Rugelc, E. J., (2023). Tolerant greenspaces: Designing urban nature-based solutions that foster social ties and support mental health among young adults. Environmental Science and Policy, 139

Biophilic design patterns for primary schools

Biophilic school design should strive to engage children as active co-designers

Ghaziani, R., Lemon, M., Atmodiwirjo, P., (2021). Biophilic design patterns for primary schools. Sustainability, 13

Testing reliability of biophilic design matrix within urban residential playrooms

Modifications to the Biophilic Interior Design Matrix are needed to better assess urban interior playspaces for children

Marte, E., Calumpit, A., de Sá Bessa, B., Toledo, A., Fadda, R., Skoler, T., (2020). Testing reliability of biophilic design matrix within urban residential playrooms. Frontiers in Psychology, 11

Assessment of importance and characteristics of biophilic design patterns in a children’s library

Study highlights biophilic library design elements that help children experience nature

Lee, H. C., Park, S. J., (2018). Assessment of importance and characteristics of biophilic design patterns in a children’s library. Sustainability, 10

The governance configurations of green schoolyards

Study provides key insights for “good governance” of green schoolyards

Sekulova, F., Mallen, I. R., (2024). The governance configurations of green schoolyards. Environmental Science and Policy, 156

Investigating school ground vegetation research: A systematic mapping review

Review of research on school ground vegetation highlights the need for more specificity and uniformity in related research

Ignell, S., Wistrom, B., Levinsson, A., Jansson, M., (2024). Investigating school ground vegetation research: A systematic mapping review. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 101