The aim is to examine, critique, and synthesize commonly used methodological approaches that capture middle-aged children’s experiences of their physical environments.
The systematic review identified 174 empirical studies from peer-reviewed journals published in English between 2014 and 2023. Fifty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. A thematic analysis (1) identified study characteristics and common methodological approaches, (2) synthesized the literature to reveal major themes and trends, and (3) pointed out significant research gaps.
Qualitative methods, combining traditional and participatory approaches, are most effective in capturing children’s spatial experiences. Participatory methods offer more authentic insights and reduce power imbalances compared to traditional methods. Place-based methods, such as child-led walks and participant observations, are particularly valuable for capturing the multidimensional and sensory aspects of children’s interactions with their environments.
The choice of keywords, selected databases, and the English-language criterion restricted the number of captured reviewed articles that might contribute to the topic.
This systematic review contributes to a deeper understanding of the methodological approaches used in researching middle-aged children’s experiences of their physical environments. It highlights common strategies used with children to communicate their experience of place, identifying the strengths and limitations of each method. Additionally, the review discusses the various aspects of space revealed by different methods.
