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Research into the impact of lockdown on the wellbeing of children

The potential impact of restricted access to outside spaces on the wellbeing of children during the Covid-19 pandemic is being investigated by a º£½ÇÖ±²¥ team.

Children aged between eight and 15, along with their parents, are needed to take part in the short study exploring access to outdoor space and wellbeing. Psychologists Dr Jeanet Ingwersen and Dr Helen Limbrick, from the University’s Centre for Applied Psychological Science, are interested in how limits on being able to go outside during the Covid-19 lockdown have affected the mental wellbeing of children.

Dr Limbrick said: 'There is a known relationship between access, or lack of access, to natural environments such as woodlands and countryside and ‘green space’ in urban areas, with aspects of mental and physical wellbeing in both children and adults.

'The relationship between access to ‘blue’ spaces, such as beaches, coastal areas, rivers, lakes, and the psychological and emotional wellbeing in adults has also been documented.

'The Covid-19 pandemic and resulting lockdown has changed the nature in which individuals have been able to access outdoor spaces both in and out of their local areas.'

Their study will examine the relationship between psychological wellbeing and access to natural environments in children aged from eight to 15 during the ongoing pandemic and beyond.

Dr Ingwersen said: 'It does not matter how much access participants have to these types of spaces, as we need participants with a range of access, or no access, to such spaces.'

Parents taking part in the research will be asked to complete a short questionnaire about their child’s access to outdoor spaces, while their child will be asked to complete a short wellbeing questionnaire.

The aim of the study is to further understanding of the effects that access to ‘green’ and ‘blue’ spaces has on the wellbeing of children.

For details of how to take part