The physical environment and child development: an international review.

doi:10.1080/00207594.2013.804190

Paper

The physical environment and child development: an international review.

Published Aug 5, 2013 · K. T. Ferguson, Rochelle C. Cassells, Jack W MacAllister

International journal of psychology : Journal international de psychologie

Q1 SJR score

199

Citations

6

Influential Citations

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Abstract

A growing body of research in the United States and Western Europe documents significant effects of the physical environment (toxins, pollutants, noise, crowding, chaos, and housing, school and neighborhood quality) on children and adolescents' cognitive and socioemotional development. Much less is known about these relations in other contexts, particularly the global South. We thus briefly review the evidence for relations between child development and the physical environment in Western contexts, and discuss some of the known mechanisms behind these relations. We then provide a more extensive review of the research to date outside of Western contexts, with a specific emphasis on research in the global South. Where the research is limited, we highlight relevant data documenting the physical environment conditions experienced by children, and make recommendations for future work. In these recommendations, we highlight the limitations of employing research methodologies developed in Western contexts (Ferguson & Lee, 2013). Finally, we propose a holistic, multidisciplinary, and multilevel approach based on Bronfenbrenner's (1979) bioecological model to better understand and reduce the aversive effects of multiple environmental risk factors on the cognitive and socioemotional development of children across the globe.

Literature Review

Highly Cited

Study Snapshot

Physical environment significantly impacts children's cognitive and socioemotional development, with more research needed in global South contexts.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

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The physical environment and child development: an international review.

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Citations

Making child-friendly cities: A socio-spatial literature review

Child-friendly cities require a three-dimensional approach involving rights, physical environment, and governance, with limited knowledge in translating children's rights into suitable physical environments.

“I like seeing people, different cultures, and hearing different music”: Exploring adolescent perspectives of inclusive and healthy high-rise and dense urban environment designs

Adolescents value social and cultural activity options, meaningful local sites, and diversity in local active use designs, but worry about weak social connectivity, poor sanitation, and 'anti-social' designs.

The Impact of Physical/Natural Spaces on the Mental and Emotional Well-Being of Students According to the Report of Rural Female Teachers

Encouraging contact with physical/natural spaces in rural schools positively affects students' emotional well-being, leading to improved attitudes and motivation towards learning.

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Modifying urban planning elements, such as housing, neighborhoods, play areas, and green spaces, can positively impact children's health and well-being.

Can motor competence be influenced by the type of training interventions preschool children are exposed to? A randomized experimental study comparing sports games and psychomotricity activities

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Cognitive Health Costs of Poor Housing for Women: Exploring Executive Function and Housing Stress in Urban Slums in India

Better housing quality in urban informal settlements positively impacts women's executive function skills, with housing stress acting as a mediating factor.

Neighborhood ‘double disadvantage’ and child development in inner city and growth areas

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