An Examination of the Relationship Between Objective and Subjective Greenspace Exposure and Child Social-Emotional and Cognitive Development: Findings

An Examination of the Relationship Between Objective and Subjective Greenspace Exposure and Child Social-Emotional and Cognitive Development: Findings from Two UK Birth Cohorts

A growing evidence base indicates that urban greenspace is beneficial for population health outcomes including cardiovascular disease, anxiety/depression, and diabetes (Hartig 2014; WHO 2016). Health benefits are theorised to arise via mechanisms including physical activity, stress recovery and mitigation of risks (e.g. noise, air pollution). Some research indicates that benefits can start accruing in childhood; for example we have demonstrated links between greenspace and children's physical activity in Bristol. However, there is a recognised need for more robust study of childhood health impacts.

This interdisciplinary PhD project will investigate the impact of the environments in which children grow up on their health and wellbeing. It will use systematic review, geographical and epidemiological methods, and two UK birth cohorts to investigate the role of urban green space in shaping child and adolescent physical and mental health. The study will involve longitudinal investigation of urban greenspace and health outcomes amongst children growing up in the ALSPAC (Children of the 90s) and Born in Bradford birth cohorts.

The student will be supported to work with stakeholders to consider how research findings can inform strategies to promote child health through urban environments. They will capitalise on supervisors' extensive networks of research users, including local authorities, Public Health England and WHO. They will also be supported to discuss their research widely, e.g. through the Beyond Greenspace blog (https://beyondgreenspace.net/).