According to a recent study, children exposed to blue spaces such as rivers, coastal areas and lakes have better mental health into adulthood. The BlueHealth International Survey study sponsored by the European Centre for Environmental and Human Health at the University of Exeter evaluated 15,743 subjects.
Blue spaces are important to the development of children.
The respondents aged 0-16 were drawn from California, Australia, Canada, and Hong Kong. Researchers asked them to recall experiences in blue spaces, including how often they visited there, how comfortable their guardians or parents were with them playing or swimming and their proximity to the blue spaces. Additionally, they rated their mental health over two weeks and the time spent in blue or green spaces in the last four weeks.
Study findings demonstrated that individuals that had more blue spaces experiences as kids value nature more and tend to visit places frequently as adults. Notably, these actions and values were associated with better mental health as adults.
The authors concluded that growing up and feeling secure around blue areas could inspire a love for nature and an enhanced predisposition to spend free time in green and blue spaces in adulthood. This could be beneficial to the mental well-being of adults.
Early interaction with green spaces enhances mental wellbeing
Lead author Valeria Vitale, a PhD candidate at the Sapienza University of Rome, emphasized that it is critical to comprehend how early interactions with the environment are related to well-being in adulthood in a more technological and modern society setting.
Additionally, co-author and University of Vienna senior scientist Dr Mathew White said the study is adding to a growing understanding of the need for organizations and local governments responsible for managing blue and green spaces to offer accessible and safe natural spaces for children’s physical development and wellbeing.
Among the most common advantages of green spaces is the reduction of ADHD symptoms in children. This could also be the same when it comes to blue spaces. Similar to green space, blue space can support children’s growth in their relationship with nature or their understanding of the environment.
