The childhood factor - Adult visits to green places and the significance of childhood experience
Childhood experiences in natural spaces are strong predictors of adult use and attitudes toward natural spaces
This study investigated factors contributing to adult outdoor access and activity in two survey-based projects that explored people’s use and attitudes toward natural spaces near their homes in Central Scotland and the East Midlands of England. As part of these projects, the authors questioned a large and diverse sample of individuals (339 adults in Scotland and 459 in England) in public venues and green spaces to obtain information about their background, use and attitudes toward natural spaces, demographic status, and frequency of childhood visits to green spaces.
Results indicated that most or the participants used natural spaces for walking and that over 35% of respondents visited woodlands at least once a week. Using a variety of statistical techniques, the authors examined which factors best explained the frequency with which adults visited natural spaces and found that frequency of childhood visits to natural spaces and distance from home to natural spaces were the most important factors. These results indicate that people who have had frequent childhood experiences in natural spaces are more likely to visit such places as adults. These results also indicate that people who have had frequent childhood experiences in natural places tend to feel more comfortable visiting these places alone and have a more positive attitude towards these spaces as adults (e.g., they feel more energetic and restored in these spaces).
Citation
Ward Thompson, C., Aspinall, P., Montarzino, A., (2008). The childhood factor - Adult visits to green places and the significance of childhood experience. Environment and Behavior, 40(1),
