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Afacan Y. Exploring the Facilitators of the Gerotranscendence Theory: Correlations among Sustainable Behaviors, Biophilic Design, and Nature Connectedness. HERD-HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & DESIGN JOURNAL 2024:19375867241271433. [PMID: 39150294 DOI: 10.1177/19375867241271433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Aim: This study aims to shift views away from negative perceptions towards aging by exploring the following research question: How are the multiple levels of the gerotranscendence theory influenced by the sustainable behavior and attitude toward the biophilic design of older adults? Background: Improving perceptions of aging is vital for positively impacting both the biological and societal aspects of the global aging phenomenon. Methods: The study utilized a mixed-method design. Initially, 300 older Turkish adults completed self-reported measures including the Gerotranscendence Scale (GS), Pro-environmental Behavior (PB), Environmental Identity Scale (EID), Biophilic Design Importance Level (BDI), and Inclusion of Nature in the Self Scale (INS). Subsequently, the second phase involved diary logs from 30 participants who volunteered during the initial phase. Results: Results indicated that a higher importance level placed on biophilic design was linked to a greater inclusion of nature in the self. Moreover, a stronger interest in nature correlated positively with the gerotranscendence experience. Conclusions: The results bring significant attention to biophilic design, especially its relevance in supporting sustainable environmental behaviors and positive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasemin Afacan
- Faculty Art, Design and Architecture, Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design, Bilkent University, Ankara, Türkiye
- Department of Neuroscience, Bilkent University, Ankara, Türkiye
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Taylor A, Garretson A, Bieluch KH, Buckman KL, Lust H, Bailey C, Farrell AE, Jackson BP, Lincoln R, Arneson E, Hall SR, Stanton BA, Disney JE. A Mixed Methods Approach to Understanding the Public Health Impact of a School-Based Citizen Science Program to Reduce Arsenic in Private Well Water. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:87006. [PMID: 39166865 PMCID: PMC11338042 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to arsenic (As) in well water is a well-documented public health issue for Maine and New Hampshire, as well as for other states in the United States and abroad. Arsenic contamination of well water in these locations is primarily attributed to metasedimentary bedrock that leaches As into groundwater. However, As can also enter groundwater reserves from soils contaminated by the historical use of arsenical pesticides. Approximately half of the households in Maine and New Hampshire rely on private wells, many of which have elevated As. Arsenic exposure has been associated with an increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, reduced infection resistance, and lower intelligence quotient in children. Despite these known health impacts, well water testing and treatment are not universal. OBJECTIVES We have approached the problem of low well water testing rates in Maine and New Hampshire communities by developing the All About Arsenic (AAA) project, which engages secondary school teachers and students as citizen scientists in collecting well water samples for analysis of As and other toxic metals and supports their outreach efforts to their communities. METHODS We assessed this project's public health impact by analyzing student data relative to existing well water quality datasets in both states. In addition, we surveyed private well owners who contributed well water samples to the project to determine the actions taken to mitigate As in well water. RESULTS Students collected 3,070 drinking water samples for metals testing, and 752 exceeded New Hampshire's As standard of 5 ppb . The AAA data has more than doubled the amount of information available to public health agencies about well water quality in multiple municipalities across both states. Students also collected information about well types and treatment systems. Their data reveal that some homeowners did not know what type of wells they had or whether they had filtration systems. Those with filtration systems were often unaware of the type of system, what the system was filtering for, or whether the system was designed to remove As. Through interviews with pilot survey participants, we learned that some had begun mitigating their exposure to As and other toxic metals in response to test results from the AAA project. DISCUSSION A school-based approach to collecting and analyzing private well water samples can successfully reach communities with low testing rates for toxic elements, such as As and other metals. Importantly, information generated through the program can impact household decision-making, and students can influence local and state policymaking by sharing information in their communities. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13421.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karen H. Bieluch
- Dartmouth College, Steele Hall, Earth Sciences, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Kate L. Buckman
- Connecticut River Conservancy, Greenfield, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hannah Lust
- MDI Biological Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA
| | - Cait Bailey
- MDI Biological Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA
| | | | - Brian P. Jackson
- Dartmouth College, Steele Hall, Earth Sciences, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Rebecca Lincoln
- Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Augusta, Maine, USA
| | - Erin Arneson
- Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Augusta, Maine, USA
- Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine, Portland, Maine, USA
| | | | - Bruce A. Stanton
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
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Bratman GN, Mehta A, Olvera-Alvarez H, Spink KM, Levy C, White MP, Kubzansky LD, Gross JJ. Associations of nature contact with emotional ill-being and well-being: the role of emotion regulation. Cogn Emot 2024; 38:748-767. [PMID: 38362747 DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2024.2316199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Nature contact has associations with emotional ill-being and well-being. However, the mechanisms underlying these associations are not fully understood. We hypothesised that increased adaptive and decreased maladaptive emotion regulation strategies would be a pathway linking nature contact to ill-being and well-being. Using data from a survey of 600 U.S.-based adults administered online in 2022, we conducted structural equation modelling to test our hypotheses. We found that (1) frequency of nature contact was significantly associated with lesser emotional ill-being and greater emotional well-being, (2) effective emotion regulation was significantly associated with lesser emotional ill-being and greater emotional well-being, and (3) the associations of higher frequency of nature contact with these benefits were partly explained via emotion regulation. Moreover, we found a nonlinear relationship for the associations of duration of nature contact with some outcomes, with a rise in benefits up to certain amounts of time, and a levelling off after these points. These findings support and extend previous work that demonstrates that the associations of nature contact with emotional ill-being and well-being may be partly explained by changes in emotion regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory N Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ashish Mehta
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Chaja Levy
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mathew P White
- Cognitive Science Hub, University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Laura D Kubzansky
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James J Gross
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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Meagher BR, Anderson B. There's no place like dorm: actual-ideal dorm ambiance as a unique predictor of undergraduate mental health. ANXIETY, STRESS, AND COPING 2024; 37:446-459. [PMID: 37786342 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2023.2265307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACTUndergraduate students are a high risk population for mental health challenges. Critically, residing in a setting that fails to evoke desired emotions and perceptions may have important implications for psychological wellbeing. Although previous research has investigated the relationship between student satisfaction and architecture/building amenities, little research has investigated how the ambiance of students' residences relates to mental health. Across a pair of studies, we evaluate the relationship between actual-ideal ambiance congruency (A-IAC) and mental health outcomes and mood. In Study 1, participants completed a pair of Q-sort tasks that required them to describe both their ideal room ambiance and their current room's actual ambiance. The discrepancy between these sorts was predictive of depressive symptoms, even when controlling for key covariates (e.g., personality, health, academics). In Study 2, these results were replicated among roommate pairs using dyadic analyses, while also being predictive of anxiety symptoms. Collectively, these studies reveal a novel environmental predictor of student wellbeing that can be of value for university staff. Ultimately, these findings suggest that having the ability to create one's ideal space may prove to be beneficial and possibly protective for the mental health of undergraduate university students.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brynn Anderson
- Department of Psychology, Hope College, Holland, MI, USA
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Lyons R, Colbert A, Browning M, Jakub K. The relationship between urban greenspace perception and use within the adolescent population: A focused ethnography. J Adv Nurs 2024; 80:2869-2879. [PMID: 37859499 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Greenspace is beneficial for improving adolescent mental health, yet healthcare professionals still do not understand the connection between the built environment and subjective mental well-being. We also need to understand how this population uses greenspace and how they feel when in it. AIM The aim of this qualitative study was threefold: to understand why adolescents use greenspace, to identify how they use greenspace and to explore how they feel when they are in greenspace. DESIGN Focused ethnography. METHODS Data were collected between June 2022 and August 2022 using participant observation, photo elicitation and semi-structured interviews. Braun and Clarke's (2006) six phases of thematic analysis were used to guide data collection and analysis. RESULTS A total of 11 adolescents between ages 12 and 18 who resided in and around Newark, NJ, were recruited. Three themes were identified from the data: (1) A tranquil space in an unsafe place; (2) Park means family connection with burgeoning independence; and (3) My park: Sense of ownership and responsibility. CONCLUSIONS This study deepens the understanding between subjective mental well-being and urban greenspace exposure. Adolescents accepted responsibility for maintaining "my park", which strengthens community cohesion, detailing the importance of youth input during urban planning. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Implications from this study suggest that environmental interventions may help ameliorate an ongoing mental health care crisis among adolescents. Healthcare providers should consider the built environment as another approach to promoting mental health. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION None other than research participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Lyons
- Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey, USA
| | - Alison Colbert
- Duquesne University School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Matthew Browning
- Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University, South Carolina, Clemson, USA
| | - Karen Jakub
- Duquesne University School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Bratman GN, Bembibre C, Daily GC, Doty RL, Hummel T, Jacobs LF, Kahn PH, Lashus C, Majid A, Miller JD, Oleszkiewicz A, Olvera-Alvarez H, Parma V, Riederer AM, Sieber NL, Williams J, Xiao J, Yu CP, Spengler JD. Nature and human well-being: The olfactory pathway. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn3028. [PMID: 38748806 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn3028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The world is undergoing massive atmospheric and ecological change, driving unprecedented challenges to human well-being. Olfaction is a key sensory system through which these impacts occur. The sense of smell influences quality of and satisfaction with life, emotion, emotion regulation, cognitive function, social interactions, dietary choices, stress, and depressive symptoms. Exposures via the olfactory pathway can also lead to (anti-)inflammatory outcomes. Increased understanding is needed regarding the ways in which odorants generated by nature (i.e., natural olfactory environments) affect human well-being. With perspectives from a range of health, social, and natural sciences, we provide an overview of this unique sensory system, four consensus statements regarding olfaction and the environment, and a conceptual framework that integrates the olfactory pathway into an understanding of the effects of natural environments on human well-being. We then discuss how this framework can contribute to better accounting of the impacts of policy and land-use decision-making on natural olfactory environments and, in turn, on planetary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory N Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Cecilia Bembibre
- Institute for Sustainable Heritage, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gretchen C Daily
- Natural Capital Project, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Woods Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Richard L Doty
- Smell and Taste Center, Department of Otorhinolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Interdisciplinary Center Smell and Taste, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lucia F Jacobs
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Peter H Kahn
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Connor Lashus
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Asifa Majid
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Anna Oleszkiewicz
- Interdisciplinary Center Smell and Taste, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, Wrocław, Poland
| | | | | | - Anne M Riederer
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Nancy Long Sieber
- T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jonathan Williams
- Air Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- Climate and Atmosphere Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Jieling Xiao
- College of Architecture, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Chia-Pin Yu
- School of Forestry and Resource Conservation, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
- The Experimental Forest, College of Bio-Resources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
| | - John D Spengler
- T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Eisen AM, Bratman GN, Olvera-Alvarez HA. Susceptibility to stress and nature exposure: Unveiling differential susceptibility to physical environments; a randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301473. [PMID: 38630650 PMCID: PMC11023441 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging epidemiological evidence indicates nature exposure could be associated with greater health benefits among groups in lower versus higher socioeconomic positions. One possible mechanism underpinning this evidence is described by our framework: (susceptibility) adults in low socioeconomic positions face higher exposure to persistent psychosocial stressors in early life, inducing a pro-inflammatory phenotype as a lifelong susceptibility to stress; (differential susceptibility) susceptible adults are more sensitive to the health risks of adverse (stress-promoting) environments, but also to the health benefits of protective (stress-buffering) environments. OBJECTIVE Experimental investigation of a pro-inflammatory phenotype as a mechanism facilitating greater stress recovery from nature exposure. METHODS We determined differences in stress recovery (via heart rate variability) caused by exposure to a nature or office virtual reality environment (10 min) after an acute stressor among 64 healthy college-age males with varying levels of susceptibility (socioeconomic status, early life stress, and a pro-inflammatory state [inflammatory reactivity and glucocorticoid resistance to an in vitro bacterial challenge]). RESULTS Findings for inflammatory reactivity and glucocorticoid resistance were modest but consistently trended towards better recovery in the nature condition. Differences in recovery were not observed for socioeconomic status or early life stress. DISCUSSION Among healthy college-age males, we observed expected trends according to their differential susceptibility when assessed as inflammatory reactivity and glucocorticoid resistance, suggesting these biological correlates of susceptibility could be more proximal indicators than self-reported assessments of socioeconomic status and early life stress. If future research in more diverse populations aligns with these trends, this could support an alternative conceptualization of susceptibility as increased environmental sensitivity, reflecting heightened responses to adverse, but also protective environments. With this knowledge, future investigators could examine how individual differences in environmental sensitivity could provide an opportunity for those who are the most susceptible to experience the greatest health benefits from nature exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M. Eisen
- School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Gregory N. Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
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Derrien MM, Bratman GN, Cerveny LK, Levy C, Blahna DJ, Frank P, Serio N. Public nature and health for homeless populations: Professionals' perceptions of contingent human benefits and harms. Soc Sci Med 2024; 347:116764. [PMID: 38513561 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
This article investigates relationships between public nature and health for unsheltered homeless populations. It examines perceptions of health benefits and harms for people living in public natural areas including local, state, and national forests and parks in the Seattle metropolitan area (USA). Interviews with environmental, social service, and law enforcement professionals who regularly interact with this vulnerable population were conducted and thematically analyzed to understand perceptions of physical and mental health outcomes. Results show professionals' perspectives on the health benefits and detriments of time spent in natural environments and the contextual factors perceived to influence health. Interviewees' observations about the variability of personal circumstances and biophysical, social, and weather conditions encourage the nuanced consideration of how contingent therapeutic landscapes provide deeply needed benefits, but for a population with a diminished capacity to adapt when conditions change. We conclude with insights for future research that directly assesses homeless populations' exposures and health outcomes of living in public natural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika M Derrien
- US Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Seattle, WA, 98103, USA.
| | - Gregory N Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Lee K Cerveny
- US Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Seattle, WA, 98103, USA
| | - Chaja Levy
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Dale J Blahna
- US Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Seattle, WA, 98103, USA
| | - Paulo Frank
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Naomi Serio
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
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Gu X, Zheng H, Tse CS. Contact with nature for emotion regulation: the roles of nature connectedness and beauty engagement in urban young adults. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21377. [PMID: 38049530 PMCID: PMC10695948 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48756-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Contact with nature has emotional benefits, but the psychological mechanism and potential moderator underlying the association between nature contact and emotion regulation remain unclear. The present study investigated how self-reported frequency of nature contact is associated with the use of emotion regulation strategies and explored the mediating role of nature connectedness (i.e., psychological connection to nature) and the moderating role of engagement with natural beauty. Employing mediation and moderated mediation analyses, in a cross-sectional sample of 2097 young adults aged 18-35 years old (M = 24.01, SD = 4.80) residing in urban China, we obtained three major findings. First, nature connectedness mediated the associations between direct/indirect nature contact and cognitive reappraisal as well as expressive suppression. Second, engagement with natural beauty moderated the path from direct/indirect nature contact to cognitive reappraisal in the mediation models. Third, engagement with natural beauty moderated the path from indirect nature contact to nature connectedness in the mediation models. Our study is the first to reveal mediating and moderating factors in the relationships among direct/indirect contact with nature, nature connectedness, engagement with natural beauty, and emotion regulation strategies. These findings provide support for the emotional health of nature contact and have implications for nature-based education and urban planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Gu
- Department of Social Work, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Center for Animal Protection Studies, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Department of Applied Psychology, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Hailin Zheng
- Department of Applied Psychology, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chi-Shing Tse
- Department of Educational Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Learning Sciences and Technology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Nieberler-Walker K, Desha C, Bosman C, Roiko A, Caldera S. Therapeutic Hospital Gardens: Literature Review and Working Definition. HERD-HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & DESIGN JOURNAL 2023; 16:260-295. [PMID: 37522650 PMCID: PMC10621031 DOI: 10.1177/19375867231187154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
AIM This review explores the role of purposefully designed and well-integrated therapeutic hospital gardens (THGs) for the benefits of patients, their families, and staff. BACKGROUND Significant benefits are realized when people are in contact with nature in the city. Although hospital gardens are prevalent and the beneficial effects of nature on health are widely acknowledged, the establishment of a consistent definition for hospital gardens that promote health is vital to attain reliable and quantifiable health outcomes. METHODS Twenty-eight peer-reviewed journals were critiqued for the period of 2016-2021 and updated with 12 articles from 2021 to 2023 to analyze and synthesize the latest thinking and development in this emergent field. Subsequently, current books and exemplar practice literature were synthesized with the results of the literature review to produce a working definition of THGs. RESULTS Three themes and 14 subthemes were established showing the interconnectedness of THG definition, user needs and experiences, and the benefits and values of THGs. Two original findings can be established-a need to have a consensus on terminology and to establish design processes. The working definition was produced as a foundational step to guide stakeholders in implementing THGs. CONCLUSION THGs can play a role in improving well-being when they are purposefully designed and well-integrated in hospital programs and health policy. Hospital CEOs, designers, and healthcare experts can use the findings and working definition to assist the establishment of such health promoting gardens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Nieberler-Walker
- School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
- Cities Research Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Cheryl Desha
- School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
- Cities Research Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Caryl Bosman
- Cities Research Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
- School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Parklands Dr, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anne Roiko
- Cities Research Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Savindi Caldera
- Cities Research Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
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Stenfors CUD, Stengård J, Magnusson Hanson LL, Kecklund LG, Westerlund H. Green sleep: Immediate residential greenspace and access to larger green areas are associated with better sleep quality, in a longitudinal population-based cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 234:116085. [PMID: 37207733 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sleep is pivotal to health, wellbeing and functioning in daily life, but sleep difficulties are common and may be affected by modifiable qualities in the residential surrounding environment, in terms of greenspace. However, population-based studies on individual-level greenspace and sleep are limited. The objective of the current study was thus to investigate prospective associations between fine-grained individual-level residential greenspace and sleep, and moderating effects of life style (physical activity, work status) and sex, in a nationwide population-based Swedish cohort. METHODS Participants of the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health (SLOSH)-a population-based sample of adults in Sweden-were studied during 2014-2018 (19,375 individuals; 43,062 observations). Residential greenspace land cover, and coherent green area size, were assessed via high resolution geographic information systems, at 50, 100, 300, 500 and 1000 m buffers around residences. Prospective greenspace and sleep associations were assessed via multilevel general linear models, adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic (individual and neighborhood), life style and urban factors. RESULTS Higher greenspace availability in the immediate residential surroundings (50 m and 100 m buffer zones) was associated with less sleep difficulties, even after adjustment for confounders. Greenspace effects were generally greater among non-working individuals. Among the physically active, and among non-working, greenspace and green area size further away from home (300, 500 and 1000 m, i.e. dependent on mobility) were also associated with less sleep difficulties. CONCLUSIONS Residential greenspace in the immediate residential surroundings is associated with significantly less sleep difficulties. Greenspace further away from home was associated with better sleep especially among the physically active, and non-working individuals. The results highlight the importance of greenspace in the immediate residential-surrounding environment for sleep, and the need to integrate health and environmental policies, urban planning and greening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia U D Stenfors
- Department of Psychology, Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Johanna Stengård
- Department of Psychology, Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Lars Göran Kecklund
- Department of Psychology, Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hugo Westerlund
- Department of Psychology, Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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Dzhambov AM, Lercher P, Vincens N, Persson Waye K, Klatte M, Leist L, Lachmann T, Schreckenberg D, Belke C, Ristovska G, Kanninen KM, Botteldooren D, Van Renterghem T, Jeram S, Selander J, Arat A, White K, Julvez J, Clark C, Foraster M, van Kamp I. Protective effect of restorative possibilities on cognitive function and mental health in children and adolescents: A scoping review including the role of physical activity. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 233:116452. [PMID: 37339694 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Background The exposome approach can be a powerful tool for understanding the intertwining of social, physical, and internal influences that shape mental health and cognitive development throughout childhood. To distil conceptual models for subsequent analyses, the EU-funded project Early Environmental quality and Life-course mental health effects (Equal-Life) has conducted literature reviews on potential mediators linking the exposome to these outcomes. We report on a scoping review and a conceptual model of the role of restorative possibilities and physical activity. Methods Peer-reviewed studies published since the year 2000 in English, on the association between the exposome and mental health/cognition in children/adolescents, and quantitatively investigating restoration/restorative quality as a mediating variable were considered. Database searches were last updated in December 2022. We used an unstructured expert-driven approach to fill in gaps in the reviewed literature. Results Five records of three distinct studies were identified, indicating a scarcity of empirical evidence in this newly developing research area. Not only were these studies few in numbers, but also cross-sectional, lending only tentative support to the idea that perceived restorative quality of adolescent's living environment might mediate the association between greenspace and mental health. Physical activity emerged as a mediator leading to better psychological outcomes in restorative environments. We provide a critical discussion of potential caveats when investigating the restoration mechanism in children and propose a hierarchical model including restoration, physical activity, and relational dynamics between children and their environment, including social context, as well as restorative environments other than nature. Conclusions It is justified to further explore the role of restoration and physical activity as mediators in the association between early-life exposome and mental health/cognitive development. It is important to consider the child perspective and specific methodological caveats. Given the evolving conceptual definitions/operationalizations, Equal-Life will attempt to fill in a critical gap in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel M Dzhambov
- Department of Hygiene, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Institute of Highway Engineering and Transport Planning, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria; Research Group "Health and Quality of Life in a Green and Sustainable Environment", SRIPD, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
| | - Peter Lercher
- Institute of Highway Engineering and Transport Planning, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Natalia Vincens
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kerstin Persson Waye
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria Klatte
- Cognitive and Developmental Psychology, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Larisa Leist
- Cognitive and Developmental Psychology, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Thomas Lachmann
- Cognitive and Developmental Psychology, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern, Germany; Centro de Investigación Nebrija en Cognición, Facultad de Lenguas y Educacion, Universidad Nebrija, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dirk Schreckenberg
- Centre for Applied Psychology, Environmental and Social Research (ZEUS GmbH), Hagen, Germany
| | - Christin Belke
- Centre for Applied Psychology, Environmental and Social Research (ZEUS GmbH), Hagen, Germany
| | - Gordana Ristovska
- Institute of Public Health of the Republic of North Macedonia, Skopje, Macedonia
| | - Katja M Kanninen
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Dick Botteldooren
- Department of Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Timothy Van Renterghem
- Department of Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sonja Jeram
- National Institute of Public Health, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jenny Selander
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Arzu Arat
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kim White
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Netherlands
| | - Jordi Julvez
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Clinical and Epidemiological Neuroscience Group (NeuroÈpia), Reus, Spain; ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Charlotte Clark
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Foraster
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBEREsp), Spain; PHAGEX Research Group, Blanquerna School of Health Science, Universitat Ramon Llull (URL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene van Kamp
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Netherlands
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13
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Montgomery C, Hipólito I. Resurrecting Gaia: harnessing the Free Energy Principle to preserve life as we know it. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1206963. [PMID: 37416544 PMCID: PMC10322209 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1206963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper applies the Free Energy Principle (FEP) to propose that the lack of action in response to the global ecological crisis should be considered a maladaptive symptom of human activity that we refer to as biophilia deficiency syndrome. The paper is organised into four parts: the characterisation of the natural world under the Gaia Hypothesis, the employment of the FEP as a description of the behavior of self-organising systems, the application of the FEP to Gaia to understand coupling dynamics between living systems and purportedly non-living planetary processes, and the offering of positive interventions for addressing the current state of ecological crisis under this framework. For the latter, we emphasize the importance of perturbing stuck states for healthy development, and the necessary appreciation of life existing as nested systems at multiple levels in a hierarchy. We propose the development of human biophilia virtue in accordance with the FEP as a practical intervention for treating biophilia deficiency syndrome and helping to safeguard the balance of planetary processes and the integrity of living systems that depend on them, offering some examples of what this might look like in practice. Overall, this paper provides novel insights into how to catalyse meaningful ecological change, proposing a deliberate and disruptive approach to addressing the dysfunctional relationship between humans and the rest of the natural world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caspar Montgomery
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Inês Hipólito
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Philosophy, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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14
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Theodorou A, Spano G, Bratman GN, Monneron K, Sanesi G, Carrus G, Imperatori C, Panno A. Emotion regulation and virtual nature: cognitive reappraisal as an individual-level moderator for impacts on subjective vitality. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5028. [PMID: 36977705 PMCID: PMC10043509 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30287-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
People who make habitual use of an emotion regulation strategy such as cognitive reappraisal may be more sensitive to the emotion cues coming from a surrounding natural environment and, thus, get more benefits from virtual nature exposure such as enhanced subjective vitality. However, no previous study investigated the moderating role of cognitive reappraisal in the relationship between exposure to different types of natural environments (a national park, a lacustrine environment, and an arctic environment vs. an urban environment) and subjective vitality. We designed a between-subject design (four conditions, one per type of environment) with a sample of 187 university students (Mage = 21.17, SD = 2.55). Participants were exposed to four 360° panoramic photos of the environment for one minute each with a virtual reality head-mounted display. The results of a multicategorical moderation analysis attested that there were two significant interactions, respectively between lacustrine and arctic environments and cognitive reappraisal. More specifically, for participants with low levels of habitual use of cognitive reappraisal, the effects of virtual nature (vs. urban) exposure on subjective vitality were not significant, while for participants with high levels, the effects were significant and positive. Findings show how the potential of virtual nature may be boosted with training aimed at increasing the general use of cognitive reappraisal, supports enhancing the applications of virtual nature, and demonstrates the need to take individual differences into account when determining the benefits of these applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Theodorou
- Department of Education, Roma Tre University, 20 Via del Castro Pretorio, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giuseppina Spano
- Department of Education, Psychology, Communication Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Gregory N Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Kevin Monneron
- Geographic Research and Application Laboratory (GREAL), European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sanesi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carrus
- Department of Education, Roma Tre University, 20 Via del Castro Pretorio, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Angelo Panno
- Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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15
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Applying an ecosystem services framework on nature and mental health to recreational blue space visits across 18 countries. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2209. [PMID: 36878999 PMCID: PMC9988977 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28544-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of 'nature' on mental health and subjective well-being have yet to be consistently integrated into ecosystem service models and frameworks. To address this gap, we used data on subjective mental well-being from an 18-country survey to test a conceptual model integrating mental health with ecosystem services, initially proposed by Bratman et al. We analysed a range of individual and contextual factors in the context of 14,998 recreational visits to blue spaces, outdoor environments which prominently feature water. Consistent with the conceptual model, subjective mental well-being outcomes were dependent upon on a complex interplay of environmental type and quality, visit characteristics, and individual factors. These results have implications for public health and environmental management, as they may help identify the bluespace locations, environmental features, and key activities, that are most likely to impact well-being, but also potentially affect recreational demand on fragile aquatic ecosystems.
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16
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Pilot IG, Stutts LA. The impact of a values affirmation intervention on body dissatisfaction and negative mood in women exposed to fitspiration. Body Image 2023; 44:36-42. [PMID: 36455512 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Fitspiration (fitness inspiration) exposure on Instagram has been associated with body dissatisfaction, but minimal research has investigated interventions to protect against its negative effects. Values affirmation interventions, in which individuals reflect on a higher value to affirm their sense of personal worth, could be helpful in this context. This online study's aim was to examine the impact of a values affirmation intervention on body dissatisfaction and negative mood in women exposed to fitspiration images from Instagram. Participants consisted of 238 female college students (Age M = 19.89, SD = 1.25) in the U.S. who were randomized into three groups: Values Affirmation Intervention + Fitspiration (described importance of top value and viewed fitspiration images), Control Intervention + Fitspiration (described their daily activities and viewed fitspiration images), and Travel (control-viewed travel images only). State body dissatisfaction and negative mood were completed pre- and post-exposure for all groups. Body dissatisfaction and negative mood significantly increased in the Control Intervention + Fitspiration, did not change in the Values Affirmation Intervention + Fitspiration group, and decreased in the Travel group from pre-exposure to post-exposure. These findings suggest that a values affirmation intervention could partially protect college women from the negative effects of fitspiration exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella G Pilot
- Department of Public Health, Davidson College, P.O. Box 7135, Davidson, NC 28035, United States
| | - Lauren A Stutts
- Department of Public Health, Davidson College, P.O. Box 7135, Davidson, NC 28035, United States.
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17
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Vitagliano LA, Wester KL, Jones CT, Wyrick DL, Vermeesch AL. Group Nature-Based Mindfulness Interventions: Nature-Based Mindfulness Training for College Students with Anxiety. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1451. [PMID: 36674206 PMCID: PMC9860632 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The mental health crisis across college campuses is accelerating, with anxiety listed as the top mental health issue for undergraduate college students. Although evidence suggests the COVID-19 pandemic escalated the mental health crisis on college campuses, pre-COVID-19 anxiety among college students was on the rise. Research supports Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBIs) to reduce anxiety among college students. Additionally, exposure to natural environments, which are accessible to students on college campuses, is effective in reducing anxiety. While brief nature-based mindfulness interventions appear effective in reducing anxiety among college students, these interventions are often offered in isolation without social interaction among group members and lack intentional integration of mindfulness and nature-related theories. The purpose of this work is to describe a framework for integrating the use of Mindfulness and Attention Restoration Theory (ART) in an innovative psychoeducational group intervention, Nature-Based Mindfulness Training © (NBMT), for college students with anxiety. In conclusion, we argue for the need to intentionally integrate mindfulness and nature into nature-based mindfulness interventions as an effective and sustainable means to reduce anxiety. Limitations and areas for future research are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke A. Vitagliano
- Department of Counseling and Educational Development, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 1400 Spring Garden Street, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA
| | - Kelly L. Wester
- Department of Counseling and Educational Development, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 1400 Spring Garden Street, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA
| | - Connie T. Jones
- Department of Counseling and Educational Development, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 1400 Spring Garden Street, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA
| | - David L. Wyrick
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 1400 Spring Garden Street, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA
| | - Amber L. Vermeesch
- Department of Family and Community Nursing, School of Nursing, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 1007 Walker Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27402, USA
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18
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Wang Z, Hu Z, Rohles B, Ljungblad S, Koenig V, Fjeld M. The Effects of Natural Sounds and Proxemic Distances on the Perception of a Noisy Domestic Flying Robot. ACM TRANSACTIONS ON HUMAN-ROBOT INTERACTION 2023. [DOI: 10.1145/3579859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
When flying robots are used in close-range interaction with humans, the noise they generate, also called consequential sound, is a critical parameter for user acceptance. We conjecture that there is a benefit in adding natural sounds to noisy domestic drones. To test our hypothesis experimentally, we carried out a mixed-methods research study (N=56) on reported user perception of a sonified domestic flying robot with three sound conditions at three distances. The natural sounds studied were respectively added to the robot’s inherent noises during flying; namely a
bird
song and a
rain
sound, plus a control condition of no added sound. The distances studied were set according to proxemics; namely
near
,
middle
, and
far
. Our results show that adding
bird
song or
rain
sound affects the participants’ perceptions, and the proxemic distances play a nonnegligible role. For instance, we found that participants liked the
bird
condition the most when the drone was at
far
, while they disliked the same sound the most when at
near
. We also found that participants’ perceptions strongly depended on their associations and interpretations deriving from previous experience. We derived six concrete design recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziming Wang
- Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden and University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Ziyi Hu
- Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden
| | | | - Sara Ljungblad
- University of Gothenburg, Sweden and Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden
| | | | - Morten Fjeld
- Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden and University of Bergen, Norway
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19
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Tekin BH, Corcoran R, Gutiérrez RU. A Systematic Review and Conceptual Framework of Biophilic Design Parameters in Clinical Environments. HERD-HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & DESIGN JOURNAL 2023; 16:233-250. [PMID: 35996349 DOI: 10.1177/19375867221118675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide a live-experience knowledge base about biophilic design parameters and environmental features to inform policy and design in clinical therapeutic environments. BACKGROUND It is increasingly important to review hospital design to make the best use of the affordances of natural elements in supporting both patients' and staff's physical and psychological well-being. The biophilic design theory provides an appropriate design approach. However, current biophilic design frameworks fail to provide efficiently standardized guidance. This systematic review aims to examine the experience of hospital users (patients and staff) with a view to informing a standardized biophilic design framework to improve future design in this context. METHODS This study performed a review and synthesis of nine studies identified using systematic procedures focusing on biophilic design features in healthcare environments. RESULTS The study identified a selection of biophilic parameters specifically relevant to this building typology, according to three different user groups: outpatients (fresh air, light-daylight, thermal comfort, welcoming and relaxing), inpatients (feeling relaxed and comfortable, prospect refuge, security and protection, light-daylight, view), and staff (privacy-refuge, quietness). CONCLUSIONS The systematically identified studies helped to identify and rank the biophilic design parameters that appear the most critical for promoting and supporting human health and well-being in clinical therapeutic environments from the user's perspective. It also provides an up-to-date compilation of crucial design interventions related to biophilic parameters and as such provides benchmark information for future research and design guidance in these environments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rhiannon Corcoran
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
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20
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Watkins-Martin K, Bolanis D, Richard-Devantoy S, Pennestri MH, Malboeuf-Hurtubise C, Philippe F, Guindon J, Gouin JP, Ouellet-Morin I, Geoffroy MC. The effects of walking in nature on negative and positive affect in adult psychiatric outpatients with major depressive disorder: A randomized-controlled study. J Affect Disord 2022; 318:291-298. [PMID: 36058362 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.08.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While walking in nature has been shown to improve affect in adults from the community to a greater extent than walking in urban settings, it is unknown whether such benefits apply to individuals suffering from depression. Using a parallel group design, this randomized controlled trial examined the effects of a single walk in nature versus urban settings on negative and positive affect in adult psychiatric outpatients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). METHOD Participants recruited from a psychiatric outpatient clinic for adults with MDD were randomly assigned to a nature or urban walk condition. Thirty-seven adults (mean age = 49 years) completed a single 60-minute walk. Negative and positive affect were assessed using The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule or PANAS at 6 time points: before the walk, halfway during the walk, immediately post-walk, at home before bedtime, 24 h post-walk, and 48 h post-walk. RESULTS Controlling for baseline levels of affect before the walk, individuals who walked in nature experienced overall lower levels of negative affect, F(1, 35.039) = 4.239, p = .047, compared to those who walked in urban settings. Positive affect did not differ across walk conditions. LIMITATIONS The generalizability of results are limited by the small sample size and the presence of more female than male participants. CONCLUSIONS Walking in nature might be a useful strategy to improve negative affect in adults with MDD. Future research should investigate different ways to integrate the beneficial effects of nature exposure into existing treatment plans for psychiatric outpatients with MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kia Watkins-Martin
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Despina Bolanis
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stéphane Richard-Devantoy
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Saint-Jérôme Hospital, Saint-Jérôme, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Hélène Pennestri
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Hôpital en santé mentale Rivière-des-Prairies (CIUSSS-NIM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Frederick Philippe
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Julie Guindon
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Isabelle Ouellet-Morin
- School of Criminology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Claude Geoffroy
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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21
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Czepczor-Bernat K, Modrzejewska J, Modrzejewska A, Swami V. The Impact of a Woodland Walk on Body Image: A Field Experiment and an Assessment of Dispositional and Environmental Determinants. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14548. [PMID: 36361429 PMCID: PMC9654471 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Studies have shown that nature exposure is associated with a more positive body image, but field studies remain relatively infrequent. Here, we examine the impact of a woodland walk on an index of state positive body image (i.e., state body appreciation), as well as dispositional and environmental determinants of body image improvements. Eighty-seven Polish women went for a walk in Cygański Las, an ancient woodland, and completed a measure of state body appreciation before and after the walk. As hypothesised, state body appreciation was significantly higher post-walk compared to pre-walk (d = 0.56). Additionally, we found that the trait of self-compassion-but not the traits of connectedness to nature, perceived aesthetic qualities of the woodland, or subjective restoration-was significantly associated with larger improvements in state body appreciation. These results suggest that even relatively brief exposure to nature results in elevated state body appreciation, with the dispositional trait of self-compassion being associated with larger effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Czepczor-Bernat
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Obesity and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Justyna Modrzejewska
- Institute of Pedagogy, University of Bielsko-Biała, 43-309 Bielsko-Biala, Poland
| | - Adriana Modrzejewska
- Department of Psychology, Chair of Social Sciences and Humanities, School of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Viren Swami
- School of Psychology and Sport Science, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB1 1PT, UK
- Centre for Psychological Medicine, Perdana University, Kuala Lumpur 50490, Malaysia
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22
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Jones RJF, Littzen COR. An Analysis of Theoretical Perspectives in Research on Nature-Based Interventions and Pain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12740. [PMID: 36232042 PMCID: PMC9566272 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain results from a complex series of biomechanical, inflammatory, neurological, psychological, social, and environmental mechanisms. Pain and pain-related diseases are the leading causes of disability and disease burden globally. Employing nature-based interventions for the treatment of pain is an emerging field. Current theory driving the suggested mechanism(s) linking the pain reducing effects of nature-based interventions is lacking. A two-step approach was taken to complete a theoretical review and analysis. First, a literature review was completed to gather a substantive amount of research related to theoretical frameworks on the topic of nature-based interventions and pain. Secondly, a theoretical analysis as proposed by Walker and Avant was completed to explore current theoretical frameworks accepted in the literature on nature-based interventions and pain. Stress reduction theory and attention restoration theory were the most common theoretical frameworks identified. Neither theoretical framework explicitly identifies, describes, or intends to adequately measure the concept of pain, revealing a limitation for their application in research with nature-based interventions and pain. Theoretical development is needed, as it pertains to nature-based interventions and pain. Without this development, research on nature-based interventions and pain will continue to use proxy concepts for measurement and may result in misrepresented findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reo J. F. Jones
- School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- School of Nursing and Health Innovations, The University of Portland, Portland, OR 97203, USA
| | - Chloé O. R. Littzen
- School of Nursing and Health Innovations, The University of Portland, Portland, OR 97203, USA
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23
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Rowley M, Topciu R, Owens M. A Systematic Review of Mechanisms Underpinning Psychological Change Following Nature Exposure in an Adolescent Population. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12649. [PMID: 36231949 PMCID: PMC9566701 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review aimed to identify mechanisms of psychological change following exposure to nature within an adolescent population. Keyword searches within Scopus, PsychINFO and Web of Science were carried out to include articles published by 14 September 2021. Records were reviewed in line with inclusion criteria: samples with an average age of 24 and under, exposure to nature vs. control using an experimental or quasi-experimental design and outcomes of mental health and psychological status. The review resulted in 27 papers that were assessed for methodological quality and manually searched for mediation analyses. A range of psychological outcomes were identified and grouped into 10 categories: Mood and Affect, Mental Health, Wellbeing, Perceived Restoration, Stress, Energy, Cognitive Functioning, Resilience, Self-Concept and Pro-Social Behaviour. Only one formal mediation analysis was reported, highlighting a mediating role of belonging in increases in resilience. Limitations include the majority use of university student samples and over half of the papers being of low methodological quality. No firm conclusions on key mechanisms in an adolescent population were made due to insufficient evidence of mediating variables. The development of methodologically rigorous experimental studies with the inclusion of statistical pathway modelling is needed to test and specify plausible mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Rowley
- CEDAR (Clinical Education Development and Research), University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QQ, UK
- The ROWAN Group, Exeter EX4 4QQ, UK
- Somerset Foundation Trust NHS, Taunton TA1 5DA, UK
| | - Raluca Topciu
- CEDAR (Clinical Education Development and Research), University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QQ, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QQ, UK
| | - Matthew Owens
- The ROWAN Group, Exeter EX4 4QQ, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QQ, UK
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Connecting to Nature through 360° Videos during COVID-19 Confinement: A Pilot Study of a Brief Psychological Intervention. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2022; 2022:4242888. [PMID: 36157309 PMCID: PMC9492359 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4242888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Psychological interventions have been shown to be beneficial in mitigating stress related to COVID-19 confinement. According to theories of restorative environments, exposure to natural surroundings has positive effects on well-being and stress through its restorative qualities. With 360° video-based Virtual Reality (VR), people can be exposed to nature and so better manage the consequences associated with mobility restrictions during confinement. The main aim of this pilot study was to examine whether a 360° video-based VR intervention composed of five 13-minute sessions (once a day) has positive effects on affect, well-being, and stress. The sample was made up of 10 participants (4 men and 6 women; age : M = 46.5, SD = 11.7) who were confined at home (voluntarily or not) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were instructed to watch a 360° video each day (of a “beach” or “lake” environment) using their smartphone and VR glasses sent to them by mail. Participants responded with several self-reports before and/or after each session (emotions and sense of presence) and before and/or after the intervention (affect, well-being, perceived stress, perceived restorativeness of nature, and the usefulness and acceptability of the intervention). Results showed a tendency to improve positive (e.g., happiness) and negative (e.g., anxiousness) emotions and experience a high sense of presence after each session. Moreover, perceived restorative qualities of the environment and their cognitive and behavioral effects were high. A significant decrease in negative affect was found after the intervention. Usefulness and acceptability were also high. This is the first study to show that an affordable and accessible technology can be used to overcome the negative consequences of confinement and counteract its harmful psychological effects.
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Boffi M, Pola LG, Fermani E, Senes G, Inghilleri P, Piga BEA, Stancato G, Fumagalli N. Visual post-occupancy evaluation of a restorative garden using virtual reality photography: Restoration, emotions, and behavior in older and younger people. Front Psychol 2022; 13:927688. [PMID: 36110274 PMCID: PMC9468747 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.927688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural environments have a restorative effect from mental/attentional fatigue, prevent stress, and help to revitalize psychological and physical resources. These benefits are crucial for promoting active aging, which is particularly relevant given the phenomenon of population aging in recent decades. To be considered restorative, green spaces have to meet specific requirements in ecological and psychological terms that can be assessed through Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE), a multimethod approach commonly used by environmental psychologists and landscape architects after construction to evaluate the design outcomes from the users’ perspective. Generally, POEs consist of surveys and/or interviews accompanied by more or less structured observations of onsite users’ behavior. Despite this, various practical constraints can prevent physical access to the renovated area (e.g., weather conditions, time/resources limits, health issues, bureaucratic constraints). Exploiting digital tools for such an assessment can be a crucial support in such circumstances. The current study presents the visual POE of a restorative garden for older adults in Milan, Italy. We developed a web application, that includes the exp-EIA© patented method, which allows participants to virtually explore a visual simulation of the environment and provide their feedback. We identified 3 representative viewpoints in the redeveloped garden differing from each other for the functions and the design principles that inspired the transformation. For each point of view, we created 360° Virtual Reality photographs, that can be navigated by looking around, i.e., panning, from the standing point of each view. In connection to each virtual scene, a survey was conducted (N = 321). The focus was the psychological experience related to each viewpoint, assessed with two psychometric scales investigating the constructs of emotions (pleasure and arousal) and restoration (fascination, being away, coherence, scope, and environmental preference); such information is integrated with behavioral aspects, including the main activities prefigured by participants and their visual exploration of the VR photography. The results of the virtual exploration show that the garden is perceived as restorative, with a more intense effect in a spot purposely designed. The emotions experienced in the garden are positive and a mild level of arousal is observed. The behavioral dimension is characterized by predominantly contemplative activities and contact with nature. A cartographic representation of the psychological and behavioral data is developed, to support the maintenance of the garden.
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Wang Z, Li Y, An J, Dong W, Li H, Ma H, Wang J, Wu J, Jiang T, Wang G. Effects of Restorative Environment and Presence on Anxiety and Depression Based on Interactive Virtual Reality Scenarios. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:7878. [PMID: 35805535 PMCID: PMC9266120 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety and depression have been growing global mental health problems. The following studies explored the effect of interactive VR scenarios to find a low-cost and high-efficiency solution. Study 1 designed a 2 (anxiety and depression state) × 4 (interactive VR scenarios) experiment, the results of 20 participants showed that the designed scenarios had good restoration and presence, assisting to improve depression mood for people with mild to moderate anxiety and depression. Study 2 further investigated the intervention effects of two environment types (urban and park) and four interactive activities (automatic viewing, free-roaming, fishing, and watering plants in the park environment), based on data from a 10-minute experiment conducted by 195 participants with mild to moderate anxiety and depression. The subjective scales, EEG and EMG, and scenario experience were analyzed and the results showed that: (1) the restorative and present VR scenarios were beneficial in alleviating state anxiety and depression; (2) the restorative environment and presence were significantly and positively related to the reduction of anxiety and depression respectively, moreover, presence mediated the restorative environment on the recovery from anxiety and depression; (3) the environmental settings, the complexity of interaction, human factors, and maturity of VR devices and technology were also key factors that influenced the effects of interactive VR scenario experience and intervention. These studies revealed VR psychological intervention scenarios could be designed with comprehensive factors. Moreover, they might help pave the way for future study in exploring the physiology and psychology mode in virtual and real spaces, enhancing intervention effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimeng Wang
- Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (Z.W.); (Y.L.); (W.D.); (H.L.); (H.M.); (J.W.); (G.W.)
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (J.A.); (T.J.)
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (Z.W.); (Y.L.); (W.D.); (H.L.); (H.M.); (J.W.); (G.W.)
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, 22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - Jingchen An
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (J.A.); (T.J.)
| | - Wenyi Dong
- Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (Z.W.); (Y.L.); (W.D.); (H.L.); (H.M.); (J.W.); (G.W.)
| | - Hongqidi Li
- Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (Z.W.); (Y.L.); (W.D.); (H.L.); (H.M.); (J.W.); (G.W.)
| | - Huirui Ma
- Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (Z.W.); (Y.L.); (W.D.); (H.L.); (H.M.); (J.W.); (G.W.)
| | - Junhui Wang
- Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (Z.W.); (Y.L.); (W.D.); (H.L.); (H.M.); (J.W.); (G.W.)
| | - Jianping Wu
- Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (Z.W.); (Y.L.); (W.D.); (H.L.); (H.M.); (J.W.); (G.W.)
| | - Ting Jiang
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (J.A.); (T.J.)
| | - Guangxin Wang
- Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (Z.W.); (Y.L.); (W.D.); (H.L.); (H.M.); (J.W.); (G.W.)
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Schmidt CW. Not All Greenness Is the Same: Associations with Health Are More Nuanced than We Thought. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:64001. [PMID: 35674668 PMCID: PMC9176209 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
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Maddock JE, Suess C, Bratman GN, Smock C, Kellstedt D, Gustat J, Perry CK, Kaczynski AT. Development and validation of self-efficacy and intention measures for spending time in nature. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:51. [PMID: 35241177 PMCID: PMC8895766 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00764-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate the reliability and validity of self-efficacy and intentions measures for time spent in nature (TSN). TSN is related to improvement in psychological well-being and health, yet most American adults spend very little time in such settings. Theory-based interventions have been effective in increasing physical activity, a related behavior, and may be one mechanism to increase TSN. Self-efficacy and intentions have been shown to be strong predictors of health behaviors and are used across several theories. However, scales to measure these factors have not yet been developed and are needed to facilitate effective interventions. METHODS TSN self-efficacy and intentions scales were developed using a sequential nine-step procedure: identification of the domain and item generation; content validity; pre-testing of questions; sampling and survey administration; item reduction; extraction of factors; tests of dimensionality; tests of reliability; and tests of validity. The 14-member multidisciplinary, researcher and practitioner investigative team generated 50 unique items for self-efficacy and 24 unique items for intentions. After subjecting items to content validity and pre-testing, item sets were reduced to 21 assessing self-efficacy and nine assessing intentions. A nationwide sample of 2109 adult participants (49.7% female, Mean Age = 58.1; 59.8% White, 18.4% Hispanic, 13.3% Black) answered these items via an on-line survey. RESULTS Using split-half measures, principal components analysis indicated a one-factor solution for both scales. The factor structure was upheld in confirmatory factor analyses and had high internal consistency (α = .93 self-efficacy; .91 intentions). The scales were moderately correlated with each other (r = .56, p < .001) and were strongly related to TSN with large effect sizes (eta2 > .20). CONCLUSIONS The study resulted in reliable and valid self-efficacy (14 items) and intentions (8 items) scales that can be used to develop future theory-based interventions to increase TSN and thereby improve population health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay E Maddock
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, 1266 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
- Center for Health and Nature, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Courtney Suess
- Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Gregory N Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Carissa Smock
- School of Business, Northcentral University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Jeanette Gustat
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Cynthia K Perry
- School of Nursing, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Andrew T Kaczynski
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
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Swami V, Tran US, Stieger S, Voracek M. Developing a model linking self-reported nature exposure and positive body image: A study protocol for the body image in nature survey (BINS). Body Image 2022; 40:50-57. [PMID: 34844138 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to natural environments has been shown to be associated with more positive body image, but much of the existing research is limited to Western European nations and little is known about the robustness of these associations in other national contexts. In this protocol paper, we present a conceptual model of the direct and indirect associations (i.e., via self-compassion, connectedness to nature, and restorative experiences in nature) between nature exposure and body appreciation. This model brings together conceptualisations from existing research, but also extends it in a number of important ways. The model will be tested through the Body Image in Nature Survey (BINS), a researcher-crowdsourced project involving researchers in multiple nations worldwide. Data collection began in December 2020 and is expected to be completed in February 2022. Data will be analysed to examine the extent to which our conceptual model is robust across nations, as well as other sociodemographic characteristics. We will also determine the extent to which key variables included in our survey are invariant across nations and associated with cultural, socioeconomic, and gender-related factors. The BINS will likely have important implications for the development of nature-based interventions to promote healthier body appreciation in diverse national contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viren Swami
- School of Psychology and Sport Science, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, Malaysia; Centre for Psychological Medicine, Perdana University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Ulrich S Tran
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Stieger
- Department of Psychology and Psychodynamics, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Martin Voracek
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Use of the Natural Outdoor Environment in Different Populations in Europe in Relation to Access: Implications for Policy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042226. [PMID: 35206413 PMCID: PMC8872189 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This cross-cultural study explores the relationship of natural outdoor environment (NOE) use with NOE access. Most urban planning recommendations suggest optimal accessibility to be 300 m-500 m straight distance to spaces with vegetation of at least 1 hectare. Exploring this recommendation, we used data (n = 3947) from four European cities collected in the framework of the PHENOTYPE study: Barcelona (Spain), Doetinchem (The Netherlands), Kaunas (Lithuania) and Stoke-on-Trent (United Kingdom) to obtain residential access to NOE (straight or network distances, using 300 m and 150 m buffers, to NOE larger than 1 hectare or 0.5 hectare) and use of NOE (i.e., self-reported time spent in NOE). Poisson regression models were used to examine the associations between residential access and use of NOE. The models with the strongest association with time spent in NOE in the combined sample were for those living within 300 m straight line distance to either 0.5 ha or 1 ha NOE. Noting that the only indicator that was consistent across all individual cities was living with 150 m network buffer of NOE (of at least 1 ha), this warrants further exploration in reducing recommendations of 300 m straight-line distance to 150 m network distance to 1 ha of NOE for a general indicator for cities within Europe.
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Baceviciene M, Jankauskiene R. The Mediating Effect of Nature Restorativeness, Stress Level, and Nature Connectedness in the Association between Nature Exposure and Quality of Life. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042098. [PMID: 35206285 PMCID: PMC8871825 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to test the mediating effects of nature restorativeness, stress, and nature connectedness in the association between nature exposure and quality of life (QoL). Urban and rural Lithuanian inhabitants (n = 924; 73.6% were women), mean age of 40.0 ± 12.4 years (age range of 18–79) participated in the study. In total, 31% of the respondents lived in rural areas. Study participants completed an online survey form with measures on sociodemographic factors, nature proximity, nature exposure, nature connectedness, and nature restorativeness, stress, and QoL assessed by the abbreviated version of the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life Questionnaire’s (WHOQOL-BREF). Path analysis was conducted to test the mediating effects of nature restorativeness, stress, and nature connectedness in the model of nature exposure and QoL. Nature exposure was directly associated with a greater QoL (β = 0.14; B = 2.60; SE = 0.57; p < 0.001) and mediated the association between nature proximity and QoL. Nature restorativeness and lower stress levels were mediators between nature exposure and QoL. Nature connectedness was a mediator between nature exposure and QoL. A path model was invariant across genders and the urban and rural place of residence groups: patterns of loadings of the pathways were found to be similar. Nature restorativeness (β = 0.10–0.12; p < 0.01) had a positive effect on the psychological, physical, social, and environmental domains of QoL. Connectedness to nature positively predicted psychological (β = 0.079; p < 0.05) and environmental (β = 0.082; p < 0.05) domains of QoL. Enhancing nature exposure and nature connectedness might help strengthen QoL in urban and rural inhabitants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Migle Baceviciene
- Department of Physical and Social Education, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas LT-44221, Lithuania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +370-69009878
| | - Rasa Jankauskiene
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas LT-44221, Lithuania;
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Humphreys A, Walker EG, Bratman GN, Errett NA. What can we do when the smoke rolls in? An exploratory qualitative analysis of the impacts of rural wildfire smoke on mental health and wellbeing, and opportunities for adaptation. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:41. [PMID: 34991532 PMCID: PMC8740038 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12411-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extreme, prolonged wildfire smoke (WFS) events are becoming increasingly frequent phenomena across the Western United States. Rural communities, dependent on contributions of nature to people's quality of life, are particularly hard hit. While prior research has explored the physical health impacts of WFS exposure, little work has been done to assess WFS impacts on mental health and wellbeing, or potential adaptation solutions. METHODS Using qualitative methods, we explore the mental health and wellbeing impacts experienced by community members in a rural Washington State community that has been particularly hard hit by WFS in recent years, as well as individual, family, and community adaptation solutions. We conducted focus groups with residents and key informant interviews with local health and social service providers. RESULTS Participants identified a variety of negative mental health and wellbeing impacts of WFS events, including heightened anxiety, depression, isolation, and a lack of motivation, as well as physical health impacts (e.g., respiratory issues and lack of exercise). Both positive and negative economic and social impacts, as well as temporary or permanent relocation impacts, were also described. The impacts were not equitably distributed; differential experiences based on income level, outdoor occupations, age (child or elderly), preexisting health conditions, housing status, and social isolation were described as making some residents more vulnerable to WFS-induced physical and mental health and wellbeing challenges than others. Proposed solutions included stress reduction (e.g., meditation and relaxation lessons), increased distribution of air filters, development of community clean air spaces, enhancing community response capacity, hosting social gatherings, increasing education, expanding and coordination risk communications, and identifying opportunities for volunteering. Findings were incorporated into a pamphlet for community distribution. We present a template version herein for adaptation and use in other communities. CONCLUSIONS Wildfire smoke events present significant mental health and wellbeing impacts for rural communities. Community-led solutions that promote stress reduction, physical protection, and community cohesion have the opportunity to bolster resilience amid this growing public health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Humphreys
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Box 351621, 3980 15th Ave NE, Fourth Floor, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Elizabeth G Walker
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, 4225 Roosevelt Way NE, Suite 100, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Clean Air Methow, Methow Valley Citizens Council, PO Box 774, Twisp, WA, 98856, USA
| | - Gregory N Bratman
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, 4225 Roosevelt Way NE, Suite 100, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Anderson Hall, Box 352100, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Nicole A Errett
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Box 351621, 3980 15th Ave NE, Fourth Floor, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, 4225 Roosevelt Way NE, Suite 100, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA.
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Barbry A, Carton A, Coquart J, Ovigneur H, Amoura C, Nuytens W, Orosz G. Is Football or Badminton Associated With More Positive Affect? The Links Between Affects and Sports Club Membership Among French Adolescents. Front Psychol 2021; 12:735189. [PMID: 34975625 PMCID: PMC8719650 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.735189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prior studies extensively examined the way sports club membership can lead to beneficial affective outcomes. Prior experiments also found that team sports, intensive sports, and sports that are frequently pursued can lead to even more affective benefits. However, no prior studies examined the differences between the affective benefits of specific sports. Based on prior results, we supposed that certain sports that meet all the previously set criteria—will provide the greatest affective benefits. The present large-scale investigation examined the data of adolescents (N = 12,849, female = 5,812, aged between 10 and 18, Mage = 12.56 years, and SDage = 2.00) and aimed to fill this gap. Firstly, the results showed that—although differences in affect can be found between the lack of club membership and most of the sports club memberships—the differences between the specific sports are less striking. Secondly, the sports that are associated with the highest level of positive and the lowest level of negative affectivity are not necessarily the ones expected. Finally, adolescents who practice athletics, reported the lowest means of negative, and the highest means of positive affect. However, it did not differ significantly from the results regarding the most practiced sport in France: soccer. Our results suggest that soccer as the most practice sport among French adolescents was associated with more positive affects than the majority of the 10 most licensed members French sports practiced by teens between 2008 and 2019. All in all, being a member of a sports club is associated with affective benefits, and some specific sports clubs can have some extra benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Barbry
- Université de Rouen-Normandie, Centre des Transformations des Activités Physiques et Sportives, Rouen, France
- L’Institut des Rencontres de la Forme, Wattignies, France
- Univ. Lille, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte d’Opale, ULR 7369 - URePSSS - Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, Lille, France
| | - Annie Carton
- Univ. Artois, Univ. Lille, Univ. Littoral Côte d’Opale, ULR 7369 - URePSSS - Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, Liévin, France
| | - Jérémy Coquart
- Université de Rouen-Normandie, Centre des Transformations des Activités Physiques et Sportives, Rouen, France
- Univ. Lille, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte d’Opale, ULR 7369 - URePSSS - Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, Lille, France
| | - Hervé Ovigneur
- L’Institut des Rencontres de la Forme, Wattignies, France
| | - Camille Amoura
- Univ. Artois, Univ. Lille, Univ. Littoral Côte d’Opale, ULR 7369 - URePSSS - Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, Liévin, France
| | - Williams Nuytens
- Univ. Artois, Univ. Lille, Univ. Littoral Côte d’Opale, ULR 7369 - URePSSS - Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, Liévin, France
| | - Gabor Orosz
- Univ. Artois, Univ. Lille, Univ. Littoral Côte d’Opale, ULR 7369 - URePSSS - Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, Liévin, France
- *Correspondence: Gabor Orosz,
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Sachs NA. Design for Happiness in Healthcare: Is it Possible? Necessary? Wise? HERD-HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & DESIGN JOURNAL 2021; 14:457-462. [PMID: 34784255 DOI: 10.1177/19375867211040149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Littman AJ, Bratman GN, Lehavot K, Engel CC, Fortney JC, Peterson A, Jones A, Klassen C, Brandon J, Frumkin H. Nature versus urban hiking for Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: a pilot randomised trial conducted in the Pacific Northwest USA. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e051885. [PMID: 34556516 PMCID: PMC8461737 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate feasibility and acceptability of a group-based nature recreation intervention (nature hiking) and control condition (urban hiking) for military Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). DESIGN AND SETTING A pilot randomised controlled trial conducted in the US Pacific Northwest. PARTICIPANTS Veterans with PTSD due to any cause. INTERVENTIONS Twenty-six participants were randomised to a 12-week intervention involving either six nature hikes (n=13) or six urban hikes (n=13). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Feasibility was assessed based on recruitment, retention and attendance. Questionnaires and postintervention qualitative interviews were conducted to explore intervention acceptability. Questionnaires assessing acceptability and outcomes planned for the future trial (eg, PTSD symptoms) were collected at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks (immediately after the final hike) and 24 weeks follow-up. RESULTS Of 415 people assessed for eligibility/interest, 97 were interested and passed preliminary eligibility screening, and 26 were randomised. Mean completion of all questionnaires was 91% among those in the nature hiking group and 68% in those in the urban hiking group. Over the course of the intervention, participants in the nature and urban groups attended an average of 56% and 58%, respectively, of scheduled hikes. Acceptability of both urban and nature hikes was high; over 70% reported a positive rating (ie, good/excellent) for the study communication, as well as hike locations, distance and pace. Median PTSD symptom scores (PTSD Checklist-5) improved more at 12 weeks and 24 weeks among those in the nature versus urban hiking group. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study largely confirmed the feasibility and acceptability of nature hiking as a potential treatment for Veterans with PTSD. Adaptations will be needed to improve recruitment and increase hike attendance for a future randomised controlled trial to effectively test and isolate the ways in which nature contact, physical activity and social support conferred by the group impact outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03997344.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyson J Littman
- Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Gregory N Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Keren Lehavot
- Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Charles C Engel
- Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - John C Fortney
- Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alexander Peterson
- Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alex Jones
- Outdoors for All, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Carolyn Klassen
- Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Howard Frumkin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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