Unique associations among multiple facets of greenspace exposure and emotional and behavioral adjustment in preadolescence: A daily diary study

Abstract

Research has shown that the frequency, duration, and intensity of greenspace exposure are significantly associated with children's adjustment. However, most studies have examined these facets separately. There is a lack of research that integrates them to offer a more comprehensive understanding of their unique associations with adjustment. This study investigates the unique associations between various facets of greenspace exposure and children's emotional (happiness and emotional problems) and behavioral (helping behavior and direct aggression) adjustment at both the daily and individual levels. The sample included 509 children (235 boys; M_age = 10.58 years, SD = 0.85 years) who completed a 14 days diary on greenspace exposure and adjustment. Multilevel analyses revealed that greenspace exposure (versus nonexposure) was associated with adjustment, and the various facets showed unique associations with adjustment. Specifically, on days when children were exposed to greenspace with more attributes than usual, they reported greater same-day happiness and fewer emotional problems. Compared with children who were exposed to greenspace with fewer attributes, children who were exposed to greenspace with more attributes on average presented greater happiness and more helping behaviors. With respect to duration, on days when children spent more time in greenspace than usual, they reported greater same-day happiness and more helping behaviors. However, frequency was not significantly associated with adjustment at either level. Our findings underscore the importance of enhancing the attributes of greenspace in the construction of child-friendly cities. Practitioners may consider increasing the number of opportunities for children to be exposed to greenspace with rich attributes in greenspace-based intervention programs.