Green space and child development: Exposure-specific associations with neurobehavioral profiles identified through latent profile and network analysis

IF 7.3 1区心理学 Q1 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Journal of Environmental Psychology Pub Date : 2026-06-01 Epub Date: 2026-05-26 DOI:10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.103081

Lixin Hu , Yawen Tan , Zhengge Jin , Wenxin Ge , Liqing Yao , Wanxin Wu , Jiaqi Chen , Xiuzhi Yang , Zhuowen Wu , Sichun Lin , Yinhuan Guo , Qiqi Lai , Jingyang Fang , Yajun Chen

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Abstract

Existing evidence has documented associations between green space and children's mental health and cognition, prior studies have typically examined isolated outcomes using remote-sensing metrics, overlooking integrated neurobehavioral profiles and the role of self-reported experiences. We addressed this gap by examining associations between multidimensional green space and integrated neurobehavioral profiles among 5344 children in southern China. Children's executive function and emotional-behavioral problems were assessed using parent-reported Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), respectively. Objective greenspace was assessed via satellite-based indices (the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), soil-adjusted vegetation index (SAVI), and enhanced vegetation index (EVI)) and street view-based green view index (GVI). Self-reported green space experience and engagement encompassed accessibility, window views, indoor plants, usage patterns, and perceived quality. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) integrated BRIEF and SDQ dimensions to identify distinct neurobehavioral profiles. Associations with multidimensional green space metrics were examined using linear modeling, and network analysis was applied to pinpoint core nodes. LPA identified four distinct neurobehavioral profiles, ranging from “Well-Adapted” (Profile 1) with minimal difficulties to “Pervasive Difficulties” (Profile 4) characterized by the most severe problems. Relative to Profile 1, satellite-based indices were associated only with Profile 4, while GVI was associated with both Profile 3 (Hyperactive-Cognitive Dysregulation) and Profile 4. In contrast, self-reported experience and engagement showed broader associations. Furthermore, network analysis identified emotional symptoms as a core node. These findings indicate that associations between green space and children's neurobehavioral development are profile-specific, with emotional symptoms potentially representing a key factor.

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绿色空间和儿童发展：暴露与神经行为特征的特定关联，通过潜在特征和网络分析确定

现有的证据已经证明了绿地与儿童心理健康和认知之间的联系，之前的研究通常使用遥感指标检查孤立的结果，忽略了综合神经行为概况和自我报告经验的作用。我们通过研究中国南方5344名儿童的多维绿地与综合神经行为特征之间的关系来解决这一差距。采用家长报告的执行功能行为评定量表（BRIEF）和优势与困难问卷（SDQ）分别对儿童的执行功能和情绪行为问题进行评估。利用归一化植被指数（NDVI）、土壤调整植被指数（SAVI）、增强植被指数（EVI）和街景绿化指数（GVI）对客观绿地空间进行评价。自我报告的绿色空间体验和参与包括可达性、窗户景观、室内植物、使用模式和感知质量。潜在特征分析（LPA）整合了BRIEF和SDQ维度来识别不同的神经行为特征。使用线性建模检查了与多维绿地指标的关联，并应用网络分析来确定核心节点。LPA确定了四种不同的神经行为特征，从具有最小困难的“良好适应”（特征1）到具有最严重问题的“普遍困难”（特征4）。相对于Profile 1，基于卫星的指数仅与Profile 4相关，而GVI与Profile 3 （Hyperactive-Cognitive Dysregulation）和Profile 4相关。相比之下，自我报告的经历和参与表现出更广泛的联系。此外，网络分析将情绪症状确定为核心节点。这些发现表明，绿地和儿童神经行为发展之间的联系是特定的，情绪症状可能是一个关键因素。

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来源期刊

Journal of Environmental Psychology Multiple-

CiteScore

10.60

自引率

8.70%

发文量

140

审稿时长

62 days

期刊介绍： The Journal of Environmental Psychology is the premier journal in the field, serving individuals in a wide range of disciplines who have an interest in the scientific study of the transactions and interrelationships between people and their surroundings (including built, social, natural and virtual environments, the use and abuse of nature and natural resources, and sustainability-related behavior). The journal publishes internationally contributed empirical studies and reviews of research on these topics that advance new insights. As an important forum for the field, the journal publishes some of the most influential papers in the discipline that reflect the scientific development of environmental psychology. Contributions on theoretical, methodological, and practical aspects of all human-environment interactions are welcome, along with innovative or interdisciplinary approaches that have a psychological emphasis. Research areas include: •Psychological and behavioral aspects of people and nature •Cognitive mapping, spatial cognition and wayfinding •Ecological consequences of human actions •Theories of place, place attachment, and place identity •Environmental risks and hazards: perception, behavior, and management •Perception and evaluation of buildings and natural landscapes •Effects of physical and natural settings on human cognition and health •Theories of proenvironmental behavior, norms, attitudes, and personality •Psychology of sustainability and climate change •Psychological aspects of resource management and crises •Social use of space: crowding, privacy, territoriality, personal space •Design of, and experiences related to, the physical aspects of workplaces, schools, residences, public buildings and public space