Outdoor play areas in childcare settings and children’s physical aggression: A longitudinal study of Norwegian kindergartens

The study investigates how physical features of outdoor areas in kindergartens affect the development of physical aggression (PAgg) in children aged 2 to 4 years. The researchers focus specifically on two aspects of the outdoor areas: the presence of hidden areas (where children can play unsupervised) and the degree of adult supervision during the use of outdoor toys/games. The researchers wanted to understand whether the various outdoor areas promoted or reduced physical aggression, and how this relationship could change over time.

The study found that hidden play areas in the kindergarten’s outdoor areas were linked to higher levels of physical aggression (PAgg) among the children at the start of the study. In addition, children in kindergartens with a higher degree of adult supervision exhibited a less steep decline in PAgg over time. The researchers behind the study believe the results indicate that while children should not play completely unsupervised, their play should not be overly monitored either. Monitoring can limit children’s exploration and contribute to increased aggression.

The data material was collected using questionnaires, where the kindergarten teachers who best knew the children assessed their physical aggression through three annual measurements. The main focus was on observing the relationship between the characteristics of the kindergarten’s outdoor areas and the development of PAgg in the children. Information about the kindergarten’s physical outdoor areas was obtained from the coordinators, while pedagogical leaders stated how much time the children spent outside.

Flouri, E., Mueller, M., Idsøe, T., & Nærde, A. (2023). Outdoor play areas in childcare settings and children’s physical aggression: A longitudinal study of Norwegian kindergartens. European Journal of Developmental Psychology, 20(2), 307–326.

Online year: 2022

Issue year: 2023

Review year: 2022