Is Green Exercise an effective tool for combatting stress in children?

Stress is a major social and economic burden, estimated to cost £10billion per year in the UK. While the mental health issues of children were previously under-recognised, we now know that 1 in 6 children experience stress. Stress results in physiological and emotional changes that negatively influence health and can adversely affect behaviour and academic achievement. Stress also tracks from childhood into adulthood where it is associated with poor physical health and an increased chance of mental illness. Green Exercise provides numerous benefits for health and can reduce stress in adults. Our project uniquely examines the role of green exercise in enabling children to better cope with and recover from stress. Through this research, we will develop strategies to minimise the physiological and emotional impact of stress, and in doing so aim to reduce the negative impact of stress on health.

Through the project, the student will learn a range of experimental techniques, including salivary cortisol and heart rate variability analysis; enabling them to develop vital laboratory skills. The student will also use innovative qualitative approaches to examine children’s experiences of green exercise. They will also take part in the University Graduate School and Faculty Doctoral Research Development Programme and will present their research at conferences. The supervision team have a good track record in mixed methods, and of supporting students to submit articles for publication in peer reviewed journals. Our programme will enable the candidate to gain transferable skills including presentation, employability and scientific writing skills; and will aid career progression following the PhD.