Emerging research shows that differences in health between the highest and lowest income groups are significantly smaller in neighborhoods with more nature exposure (greenspaces). This suggests that incorporating nature into low-income neighborhoods could be a strategic target to curb health disparities. However, it remains unknown how this occurs, so our team explored one possible explanation based on two overarching ideas: [1] low income groups, compared to high income groups, often face higher exposure to stressors during childhood, imprinting a biological footprint; [2] individuals with this footprint are more sensitive to the health risks of stressful environments, but also to the health benefits of restorative environments such as nature. Results of a randomized control trial provided support for this framework. Future research in this area could improve our understanding of how nature-based interventions (e.g., increasing access to urban parks) could be leveraged to reduce differences in health across income groups.

Click HERE to read Aaron’s publication.

Aaron’s ARCS award was given by the Barbara Giesy Family.