This longitudinal study by Nancy M. Wells investigates how the naturalness or “greenness” of the home environment influences the cognitive development of children, particularly those from low-income urban families. Using a pre- and post-relocation design, 17 children moving from substandard housing to new homes were assessed for changes in their home environment’s exposure to nature and their attentional capacity, measured by the ADDES scale. The results show a significant positive correlation: children whose homes became greener after relocation displayed higher levels of cognitive functioning compared to those whose home environments did not significantly change. Notably, this improvement was independent of overall housing quality, underscoring the unique value of natural surroundings. Drawing from restorative environment theory (Kaplan & Kaplan), Wells suggests that natural environments provide stimuli that help restore directed attention, an essential cognitive process. The study adds to evidence that proximity to nature supports children's psychological resilience, echoing findings from day-care and public housing research which associate green environments with better attention, less stress, and more constructive play. Implications are broad: modest interventions such as tree planting, green yard access, or window views of nature could foster developmental benefits in disadvantaged populations. This reinforces the call for policymakers, architects, and urban planners to integrate natural elements in housing design, particularly in underserved urban areas, to foster long-term cognitive and emotional well-being in children.
Wells, N.M. (2000) ‘At home with nature: Effects of “greenness” on children’s cognitive functioning’, Environment and Behavior, 32(6), pp.775–795. https://doi.org/10.1177/00139160021972793
