Trees Help Girls Succeed

The article below was written and posted by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Landscape and Human Health Laboratory. Frances E. Kuo, Director.

In a study conducted in Chicago’s Robert Taylor Homes public housing development, girls who lived in apartments with greener, more natural views scored better on tests of self-discipline than those living in more barren but otherwise identical housing.

The study tested children on three component abilities of self-discipline: concentration, inhibition of impulsive behavior, and delay of gratification. Girls with green views scored higher on average than girls with less green views on all three tests. Boys showed no link between test scores and the amount of nature near home, most likely because they spend less time playing near home and are then less affected by the environment around it.

Self-discipline is an important personal characteristic. The greater a girl’s self-discipline, the more likely she is to do well in school, to avoid unhealthy or risky behaviors, and to behave in ways that make life success more likely. Maintaining trees and greenery at home may foster in girls the self-discipline they need to succeed.

Access the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Landscape and Human Health Laboratory’s website to read the entire study or download the color flier “Girls & Greenery”.

The information above is from the original scientific article:

• Faber Taylor, A., Kuo, F.E., & Sullivan, W.C. (2002). “Views of Nature and Self-Discipline: Evidence from Inner City Children.” Journal of Environmental Psychology, 22, 49-63.

More questions? Contact Frances E. Kuo at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Landscape and Human Health Laboratory, 1103 S. Dorner Drive, Urbana, Illinois 61801.

This research was supported by the University of Illinois and by the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program on the recommendation of the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council.