Nature may offer more significant psychological benefits for disadvantaged children compared to their more affluent counterparts, according to a recent scoping review published in Frontiers in Psychology. The study, led by Keira Denker and Andrea Faber Taylor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, synthesizes existing research on how greenspace impacts mental health across different socioeconomic groups.

Growing up in disadvantaged communities can be particularly challenging for children, often leading to increased stress levels and a range of psychological issues. However, a decade's worth of research has highlighted an effective and cost-effective solution that could potentially level the playing field: time spent in natural environments. This concept is known as equigenesis, which posits that physical environments like greenspace can promote equity in health and functioning.

Denker and Faber Taylor reviewed hundreds of studies to identify patterns in how disadvantaged children might benefit more from nature compared to their advantaged peers. Their analysis included 123 studies focusing on the psychological well-being of children living with disadvantage, involving various age groups and health metrics. Nearly two-thirds of these studies provided evidence supporting equigenesis.

The research found that people living in disadvantaged areas often benefited more from natural environments than those who are better off. This finding suggests a potential "ceiling effect," where advantaged individuals may already have access to the support they need, making them less responsive to additional environmental benefits.

To delve deeper into this phenomenon, the team examined 24 studies specifically focused on children's psychological health. Half of these studies demonstrated that disadvantaged children experienced greater improvements in areas such as anxiety levels, behavioral difficulties, and cognitive functioning when exposed to greenspace. These findings highlight the potential for nature-based interventions to mitigate some of the mental health challenges faced by disadvantaged youth.

Faber Taylor emphasizes that while advantaged groups can also benefit from time spent in nature, the psychological advantages may be more pronounced for those living with disadvantage. She notes, "Whether they're specifically trying to prove equigenesis or not, study after study shows numerous psychological and mental health benefits of time in greenspace such as stress relief, attentional support, and reduced ADHD symptoms."

Despite these promising findings, the researchers acknowledge that access to green spaces can be limited for children in disadvantaged neighborhoods. They advocate for schoolyard greening projects, which they argue provide significant benefits without requiring extensive investment or infrastructure changes.

"School yards in particular are low-hanging fruit," Faber Taylor explains. "Most children have to go to school, so they'd almost be guaranteed to experience that greenspace. There is some compelling work showing the value of green school yards in improving learning outcomes and supporting physical activity."

While the equigenesis field remains relatively new, the researchers believe that promoting more time spent in natural environments could offer substantial benefits for children living with disadvantage. As Faber Taylor puts it, "Whether you're specifically trying to prove equigenesis or not, study after study shows numerous psychological and mental health benefits of time in greenspace such as stress relief, attentional support, and reduced ADHD symptoms."

This research underscores the importance of accessible green spaces for children's overall well-being and highlights potential strategies for policymakers and administrators to enhance these environments. By investing in schoolyard greening initiatives, communities can create safe, nurturing spaces that promote mental health and learning outcomes for all children.

Publication details: Keira I. Denker et al, Nature is nurture: a scoping review of nature exposure as an equigenic intervention on children's psychological health, Frontiers in Psychology (2026). DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1731222

Journal information: Frontiers in Psychology

Key medical concepts: Mental Health Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Hydrocortisone

Clinical categories: Psychology & Mental health Pediatrics Children's health Psychiatry