Understanding Connections between Nature and Stress among Conservation-Engaged Adolescents Using Photovoice Methodology.

While the literature supports positive associations between nature and adolescent mental health, mechanisms are not well understood, and assessment of nature varies widely among existing studies. To partner with the most insightful informants, we enrolled eight adolescent participants from a conservation-informed summer volunteer program, applying qualitative photovoice methodology to understand their use of nature to relieve stress. Across five group sessions, participants identified four themes: (1) Nature shows us different aspects of beauty; (2) nature helps us relieve stressful experiences by balancing our senses; (3) nature gives us space to find solutions; and (4) we want to find time to enjoy nature.

Residential greenness, asthma, and lung function among children at high risk of allergic sensitization: a prospective cohort study.

Background: While benefits of greenness to health have been reported, findings specific to child respiratory health are inconsistent.

Methods: We utilized a prospective birth cohort followed from birth to age 7 years (n = 617). Residential surrounding greenness was quantified via Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) within 200, 400, and 800 m distances from geocoded home addresses at birth, age 7 years, and across childhood.

Three-Year Nursing PhD Model Recommendations from the RWJF Future of Nursing Scholars.

Background: In response to the 2011 report, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation created the Future of Nursing Scholars (FNS) Program in partnership with select schools of nursing to increase the number of PhD-prepared nurses using a 3-year curriculum.

Method: A group of scholars and FNS administrative leaders reflect on lessons learned for stakeholders planning to pursue a 3-year PhD model using personal experiences and extant literature.

Results: Several factors should be considered prior to engaging in a 3-year PhD timeline, including mentorship, data collection approaches, methodological choices, and the need to balance multiple personal and professional loyalties.

Gestational exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers and social skills and problem behaviors in adolescents: The HOME study.

Background: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent environmental pollutants used as flame retardants. Gestational PBDE exposure has been associated with a variety of behavior problems in children, but little is known about its impact into adolescence, particularly on social skills, which are important for achieving social competence, establishing identity, and forming lasting relationships.

Objective: We investigated associations between gestational exposure to PBDEs and social skills and problem behaviors in early adolescence in a longitudinal pregnancy and birth cohort in Cincinnati, Ohio (recruited 2003-2006).

Residential surrounding greenness and self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression in adolescents.

Background: Evidence on the relationship between exposure to greenness and adolescent mental health is limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between greenness throughout childhood and mental health at age 12 years.

Methods: We assessed greenness using the satellite-based measure of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) within 200m, 400m, and 800m of home address at birth, age 12 years, and across childhood (averaged for each year from birth to age 12) among the Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study (CCAAPS) cohort.

Effect of greenness on asthma in children: A systematic review.

Greenness such as trees, plants, and shrubs may positively influence mental and physical health, but the relationship between greenness and asthma is poorly understood. Because asthma is the most prevalent child respiratory disease internationally, elucidating the role of greenness may substantially benefit public health. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize findings related to effects of greenness on asthma in children.