Time spent outdoors during preschool: Links with children's cognitive and behavioral development

The purpose of this study is to examine the link between time spent outdoors in preschool and children's cognitive and behavioural development in preschool and first grade.

The statistical analysis suggests that there is a link between less time spent outdoors and symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity, based on ratings from the preschool teachers. This link is strongest for 5-6-year-olds and weakens when the child starts school. Moreover, the results show a positive correlation between time spent outdoors and children's attention, measured through the cognitive test. This correlation is also strongest for 5-6-year-olds and weakens at the age of 7. The authors assess that the result showing that more outdoor hours are linked to reduced symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity and better test results indicates a positive link between outdoor activities in preschool and children's cognitive and behavioural development.

The authors used a longitudinal design in which 562 preschoolers were followed from 2006 to 2009 with annual data collection in 28 preschools and 13 primary schools in two Norwegian municipalities. The children were between 3-7 years, where the 7-year-olds were in the final period of first grade. The data material was collected through cognitive tests of the children, ratings from parents and preschool teachers of the children's personalities and behaviour, as well as interviews with preschool leaders (to gather information on the participating preschools). The cognitive test of the children was composed of the digit span test, which is a part of Wechsler's IQ test (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, WISC-IV) used to measure children's executive functions, including attention and short term memory. During the test, number sequences were read aloud to the child, who then had to repeat the numbers to the examiner. Each assignment started with a double-digit number that was increased by one digit at every other attempt until the number reached nine digits. The assignment was interrupted if the child made two mistakes in a row. The statistical analyses incorporated a number of control variables, including gender, preschool quality, the child's personality and maturity, socio-economic status, the parents' mental health, family harmony and the family's use of nature. As regards the children's cognitive and behavioural development, the authors focused on symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity as well as on the results of the cognitive test.

Ulset, V., Vitaro, F., Brendgen, M., Bekkhus, M., & Borge A. I. H. (2017). Time spent outdoors during preschool: Links with children's cognitive and behavioral development. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 52, 69-80.