A greening theory of change: How neighborhood greening impacts adolescent health disparities

Neighborhood greening may improve adolescent health and reduce health disparities Social determinants of health (SDOH) are key factors that shape the development of children and youth. Neighborhoods are an influential SDOH, comprised of social and physical environments, especially for those growing up in under‐resourced urban communities. Research indicates that adolescents living in economically deprived neighborhoods are at much higher risk of health problems than their peers living in affluent neighborhoods, and these disparities have long‐lasting negative effects that persist into adulthood.

This theoretical paper examines how neighborhood greening might mitigate health disparities impacting urban adolescents. The researchers propose a Greening Theory of Change (ToC) to explore “the relationship between conversion of vacant land to community‐cared‐for green spaces with adolescent health outcomes.” The research is based on the understanding that “parks and green spaces are frequently spatially clustered reflecting racial and economic segregation.” This environmental justice issue is further compounded by the abundance of vacant and neglected properties, which are associated with negative health impacts and neighborhood violence. Development of the Greening ToC was motivated by Project VITAL (Vacant lot Improvement to Transform Adolescent Lives) in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. Project VITAL aims to advance understanding of the impacts of greening vacant lots on the adolescents who live nearby. Project VITAL also strives to develop a framework for reducing health disparities through greening strategies that can be implemented in other cities.

The Greening ToC highlights specific mechanisms that may positively influence youth health, including reduced exposure to air pollution and heat, stress reduction, improved social connectedness, enhanced community engagement, reduced noneducational screen time, positive use of greenspace, enhanced perceived safety, and improved food security. Transforming vacant spaces to cared‐for greenspaces has potential implications for the health and well‐being of both individuals and communities. While further research is needed, the literature points to potential outcomes, or benefits, of the Greening ToC. Greening may result in improved cognitive functioning of adolescents, such as improved attention, memory, cognitive performance, and cognitive development. Greening is associated with increased physical health and activity. Involvement with neighborhood greening may provide youth with opportunities to develop job skills or to possibly gain employment. Improvements to adolescents’ mental health and well‐being are an anticipated benefit of increasing access to community greenspace while also decreasing exposure to vacant buildings. The research points to reductions in stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression as a result of greening efforts. Neighborhood greening can bolster food security through community gardens, especially in low‐income communities, and some evidence exists that greening may reduce substance abuse among youth. Finally, greening of vacant lots is linked to reduced neighborhood violence and crime, especially gun violence.

The Greening ToC illustrates “how the physical transformation of vacant, uncared for spaces may interact with other social factors to influence the health of adolescents in communities dealing with historic and repeated trauma.” Overall, the researchers conclude that urban greening initiatives that increase greenspace access may reduce health disparities and improve safety for adolescents. The Greening ToC framework can inform neighborhood decisions and wider policy aimed at advancing adolescent health.