Vegetation and Violence

1. Vegetation and Violence

2. A study conducted by Frances E. Kuo Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

3. With funding from • The Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture • The USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program on the recommendation of the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council • The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

4. Take home message

5. Take home message Where there is less nature nearby, there is more aggression and violence.

6. Presentation outline • Why Study Vegetation and Violence? • The Approach • The Findings • So What?

7. Why Study Vegetation and Violence?

8. In the inner city, violence levels are high, and vegetation is scarce.

9. Could there be a connection between scarce vegetation and high rates of violence?

10. Green surroundings may reduce mental fatigue… Near-home nature Less mental fatigue

11. And less mental fatigue may be linked to less aggression. Less mental fatigue Less aggression and violence

12. Mental fatigue may lead to aggression by • impairing the ability to handle problems rationally

13. Mental fatigue may lead to aggression by • impairing the ability to handle problems rationally • causing inattentiveness

14. Mental fatigue may lead to aggression by • impairing the ability to handle problems rationally • causing inattentiveness • increasing irritability

15. Mental fatigue may lead to aggression by • impairing the ability to handle problems rationally • causing inattentiveness • increasing irritability • decreasing control over impulsive behavior

16. The demands of poverty may place inner city residents at high risk for mental fatigue and the aggression it fosters.

17. Adding nature to the inner city may reduce these risks. Near-home nature Less aggression and violence

18. This study examines the following relationships: 2 1 Near-home nature Less mental fatigue Less aggression and violence 3

19. The Approach

20. The Robert Taylor Homes were chosen as a research site because • buildings are similar; only the quantity of nearby vegetation differs

21. The Robert Taylor Homes were chosen as a research site because • buildings are similar; only the quantity of nearby vegetation differs • residents are randomly assigned to buildings

22. The Robert Taylor Homes were chosen as a research site because • buildings are similar; only the quantity of nearby vegetation differs • residents are randomly assigned to buildings • residents have similar characteristics

23. The participants were • 145 female, heads of household, under 65 years old

24. The participants were • 145 female, heads of household, under 65 years old • from 18 buildings that varied along the full range of amount of nearby nature

25. The participants were • 145 female, heads of household, under 65 years old • from 18 buildings that varied along the full range of amount of nearby nature • recruited by interviewers going door-to-door

26. Method • The 18 buildings were categorized as being either high or low in nearby nature.

27. Robert Taylor Homes without trees (barren) Robert Taylor Homes with trees (green)

28. Method • The 18 buildings were categorized as being either high or low in nearby nature. • Residents’ mental fatigue was measured.

29. Method • The 18 buildings were categorized as being either high or low in nearby nature. • Residents’ mental fatigue was measured. • Residents’ levels of aggressive and violent behavior were measured.

30. Near-home nature Less mental fatigue Less aggression and violence ? ? ?

31. Aggressive tactics used against partner Amount of vegetation outside home Scores on test of attention The relationships between all three measures were then analyzed. ? ? ?

32. The Findings

33. This study found a clear link between green surroundings and reduced mental fatigue. Near-home nature Less mental fatigue

34. More nature near home, less mental fatigue 5 More correct = less fatigued attention Mean number correct on attention measure 4.5 4 barren green Greennessrating of residence

35. And residents with less mental fatigue reported less aggression and violence. Less mental fatigue Less aggression and violence

36. Finally, there was a clear link between having near-home vegetation and less aggression and violence. Near-home nature Less aggression and violence

37. Nearby nature leads to less violence and aggression More aggression Less aggression

38. Nearby nature leads to a smaller range of violence and aggression More types of aggression Fewer types of aggression

39. In sum,

40. In sum, individuals living in green surroundings were less mentally fatigued,

41. In sum, individuals living in green surroundings were less mentally fatigued, and less aggressive and violent.

42. So What?

43. Because violence begets violence, reducing violence now is likely to reduce violence in future generations.

44. Suggestions for individuals If angry, take a walk in green surroundings.

45. Suggestions for individuals Spend time in natural settings to revive your ability to focus on tasks that demand concentration.

46. Suggestions for individuals Encourage children to use nature for relaxing and “cooling off.”

47. Suggestions for individuals Encourage city planners to plant trees in the inner city.

48. Suggestions for individuals Support city policies for maintaining trees.

49. Suggestions for individuals When possible, plant and care for trees near your home.

50. City planners and arborists should note: the location of vegetation matters.