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Effects of high-rise living on physical and mental development of children
Journal of Human Ergology
|December 1, 1989
Insights
High-rise living in Tokyo was linked to delayed infant independence in daily habits. This may stem from mothers
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
- Urban Sociology
Background:
- Investigating the impact of residential environment on early childhood development.
- Understanding the influence of housing type on infant behavioral milestones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effects of high-rise living on infant development in Tokyo.
- To compare developmental outcomes between infants in high-rise versus low-rise environments.
Main Methods:
- A 1987-1988 study in Tokyo involving 1,045 infants.
- Utilized questionnaires completed by mothers and kindergarten teachers.
- Focused on daily behaviors and fundamental customs.
Main Results:
- Infants residing in high-rise buildings demonstrated delayed independence in daily customs.
- A significant difference was observed when compared to infants living in low-rise settings.
- Maternal over-attachment, potentially due to fewer outings, was identified as a contributing factor.
Conclusions:
- High-rise living conditions may negatively impact infant independence.
- Reduced opportunities for outdoor activities in high-rise environments could affect maternal-infant interaction and development.
- Further research into urban living effects on child development is warranted.
Abstract:
Effects of high-rise living on infants' development were investigated in 1987-1988 in a high-rise residential area in Tokyo, using questionnaires on the daily behaviors of a total of 1,045 infants, completed by mothers and kindergarten teachers. Infants of high-rise living showed a delayed independence in fundamental daily customs compared with those of low-rise living. This could be ascribed to an over-attachment of mothers of high-rise living with their infants resulting from a reduced number of outings.