May 28, 2013
Green spaces reduce crime, road rage and enhance mood
Landscape Ontario compiles research on social benefits of green spaces
The benefits of natural and landscaped green spaces are not just limited to the environment, say officials at Landscape Ontario. According to research gathered by the not-for-profit organization, green spaces can improve children's self-esteem, lower crime rates, increase mood, encourage social interaction and even reduce road rage. The research was originally compiled for Landscape Ontario's website, and provides proof that green spaces not only make communities look better, but feel better as well.
Landscape Ontario compiles research on social benefits of green spaces
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The following are a few of the research highlights on the benefits of green spaces compiled by Landscape Ontario:
- Lowers crime and enhances self-esteem
A 30-year study conducted by researchers at Morton Arboretum revealed when landscaping projects are promoted in communities, neighbourhoods, housing projects and prisons, self-esteem increases and vandalism decreases. - Beneficial to children
Green spaces can boost children's attentional resources and, "green spaces may enable children to think more clearly and cope more effectively with life's stress," according to a study published in Environment and Behavior. - Creates communities
"Green spaces are gathering places that create close-knit communities and improve well-being — and in doing so, they increase safety", according to studies conducted by the Human Environment Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Another study conducted at a Chicago public housing development revealed similar results. Residents of buildings with more trees and grass reported that they knew their neighbors better, socialized with them more often, had stronger feelings of community and felt safer and better adjusted than did residents of more barren, but otherwise identical buildings. - Road rage reduction
A University of Washington study has revealed road rage may be less likely to occur when nature is in view. The "immunization effect" reveals the degree of negative response to a stressful experience is less if a view of nature preceded the stressful situation. - Enhances mood:
Gardening and yard work contribute to healthy, active living both physically and emotionally. Horticultural therapists have discovered that gardening provides a form of emotional expression and release, and it helps people connect with others.