Nearby Nature

TLDR

Researchers seek mechanisms that protect children from stress and adversity. The study examines nature as a buffer against life stress in rural children. The authors surveyed 337 rural children (grades 3–5) using parent‑reported distress and child self‑worth ratings to assess whether nearby vegetation moderates stress effects. Higher levels of nearby nature reduced the negative impact of life stress on children’s psychological well‑being, indicating nature’s protective role.

Abstract

Identifying mechanisms that buffer children from life's stress and adversity is an important empirical and practical concern. This study focuses on nature as a buffer of life stress among rural children. To examine whether vegetation near the residential environment might buffer or moderate the impact of stressful life events on children's psychological well-being, data were collected from 337 rural children in Grades 3 through 5 (mean age=9.2 years). Dependent variables include a standard parent-reported measure of children's psychological distress and children's own ratings of global self-worth. In a rural setting, levels of nearby nature moderate the impact of stressful life events on the psychological well-being of children. Specifically, the impact of life stress was lower among children with high levels of nearby nature than among those with little nearby nature. Implications of these finding are discussed with respect to our understanding of resilience and protective mechanisms.