Ethnic differences in the relationship between greenspace deprivation and emotional, behavioural, and cognitive development in early-to-middle childhood

Greenspace deprivation has been increasingly recognised as a factor contributing to children's emotional, behavioural, and cognitive difficulties. However, limited attention has been given to individual-level factors , such as ethnicity, that may moderate this relationship. This study investigated whether area (ward)-level greenspace deprivation (defined as < 20 % greenspace coverage in the residential area) differentially impacts children's psychological outcomes across ethnic groups. Using longitudinal data from the UK's Millennium Cohort Study, we employed multilevel growth curve models to examine how greenspace deprivation in urban England influences children's emotional and behavioural difficulties and cognitive abilities from ages 3-11 years, specifically considering ethnicit y as a moderator. Results revealed potential ethnic differences in the association between greenspace deprivation and various outcomes, particularly for South Asian (Indian and Pakistani/Bangladeshi) children. Here, greenspace deprivation appeared to have a small yet more pronounced negative impact on emotional/behavioural and cognitive functioning of South Asian children compared to White children. Ethnic differences persisted after adjusting for socio-economic and educational factors, with some disparities in behavioural and cognitive outcomes becoming more evident after controlling for fee-paying school status, suggesting that socio-educational factors may mask the effects of greenspace deprivation. Further research is needed to replicate these findings and explore the mechanisms driving these potential differences to help inform targeted policies that support children most vulnerable to the impact of greenspace deprivation.