Cornell University environmental and
developmental psychologist Gary Evans
has conducted numerous research studies
examining the effects of the physical environment
on children’s well being. Evans’ large and diverse
body of research reveals that the effects of the
physical environment—noise level, overcrowding,
and housing and neighborhood quality—are
as signifcant for children’s development as
psychosocial characteristics such as relationships
with parents and peers. Indeed, the physical
environment profoundly infuences developmental
outcomes including academic achievement,
cognitive, social and emotional development as
well as parenting behavior.