Abstract
Autonomous exploration should be considered in the creation of healthy environments since autonomy is an important developmental experience for children. For a group of boys in Raleigh, N.C., U.S. during the period 2002–2006, autonomous exploration was a meaningful experience. Results of a qualitative research project (n = 5) which highlight the importance of autonomous exploration are organized within a proposed framework for thick description. The framework creates verisimilitude by reporting on the context, social action and cultural context, and behavior and intentionality. The context of Raleigh and urban wildscapes furnished areas ripe for exploration. The social action and cultural context of attachment supported the autonomous exploration through scaffolded experiences of autonomy. The intentionality of the behavior was a desire to distinct themselves through a focus on individual development and the pursuit of extraordinary experiences. The ultimate outcomes of autonomous exploration for the boys were the development of long-term, intimate friendships and confidence in their decision-making ability. As cities become more health-focused, attention should be paid to preserve the rough edges of a city for children to explore.
Highlights
Frumkin et al [1] describe healthy environments as “places in which people can grow up, live, work, play, study, pray, and age in ways that allow them to be safe and healthy, to thrive, and to reach their full potential” (p. 5)
In addition to clean air, water quality, and access to healthy food and green space, supporting an appropriate level of autonomy for children should be considered in the creation of healthy environments
Interview data are presented utilizing the proposed thick description framework of when and where, who, and what and why, and findings are supported by participant quotes
Summary
Frumkin et al [1] describe healthy environments as “places in which people can grow up, live, work, play, study, pray, and age in ways that allow them to be safe and healthy, to thrive, and to reach their full potential” (p. 5). Supporting healthy lifestyles is key in creating healthy environments. In addition to clean air, water quality, and access to healthy food and green space, supporting an appropriate level of autonomy for children should be considered in the creation of healthy environments. Autonomy is a developmentally meaningful experience for children. In a study of U.S first graders, children granted a developmentally appropriate level of autonomy experienced a lower risk of being overweight [3]. In studies from Sweden and the UK, the level of autonomy granted is associated with increased happiness in adolescents [2,4]. Turner et al [5] found that college students who were reared by parents who granted autonomy were more motivated to excel academically and displayed self-efficacy in their academic abilities
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