Wells, N.M. & C.W. Evans, 2003, Nearby nature: a buffer of life stress among rural children, in: Environment and Behavior, , 3
- Author : Wells, N.M. & C.W. Evans
- Year : 2003
- Journal/Series : Environment and Behavior
- Volume Number (ANNUAL: Counting Volumes of the Year shown above) : 3
- Pages : 311-330
- Abstract in English : Identifying mechanisms that buffer children’s from life’s stress and adversity is an important empirical concern. This study focuses on nature as a buffer of life stress among rural children. This article first contains a brief review of the literature regarding children’s affinity for the natural environment and the research, largely of the past decade, exploring the beneficial effects of nature on children. The article then explores the notion that nature may act as a buffer or moderator, mitigating the impact of stress or adversity on children. Finely an empirical study is presented examining whether access to nature may act as a buffer. This study illustrates that access to nearby nature can buffer the effects of stressful life events on psychological distress among children. The impact of life stress was lower among children with high levels of nearby nature than among those wit little nearby nature. Natural areas proximate to housing and schools are essential features in an effort to foster the resilience of children and perhaps their healthy development.
- Comments/Notes : KEYWORDS: children, environmental psychology, nearby nature, preference, stress, restorative environments, well-being. UTILITY: lecturers/teachers, academic research, students of universities of professional education.