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Jiang Y, Wu Y, Hu Y, Li S, Ren L, Wang J, Yu M, Yang R, Liu Z, Zhang N, Hu K, Zhang Y, Livingston G, Zhang JJ, Zeng Y, Chen H, Yao Y. Bi-directional association between outdoor or social activities and cognitive function: do the PM 2.5 exposure catalyze the detrimental inactivity-poor cognition cycle? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118868. [PMID: 38580003 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118868] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has shown that lack of leisure activities, either outdoor or social activities, impedes cognitive function. However, the interrelationship between poor cognition and deficient activities is understudied. In addition, whether exposure to air pollution, such as PM2.5, can accelerate the detrimental 'inactivity-poor cognition' cycle, is worthy of investigation. METHODS We used data from the 2008, 2011, 2014, and 2018 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). We assessed the frequency of outdoor or social activities at each wave. The cognitive function was examined using a China-Modified Mini-mental State Examination. We estimated the residential exposure to fine particular matter (PM2.5) via a satellite-based model. We applied cross-lagged panel (CLP) model to examine the bi-directional relationship between outdoor or social activities and cognitive function. We then examined the effect of PM2.5 exposure with sequent cognitive function and activities using generalized estimation equation (GEE) model. FINDINGS Overall, we observed significant bi-directional associations between outdoor or social activities and cognitive function. Participants with better cognitive function in the last wave were more likely to engage in outdoor or social activities in the following wave (outdoor activities: β = 0.37, 95% CI [0.27,0.48], P < 0.01; social activities: β = 0.05, 95% CI [0.02,0.09] P < 0.01). Meanwhile, higher engagement in outdoor or social activities in the last wave was associated with more favorable cognitive function in the following wave (outdoor activities: β = 0.06, 95% CI [0.03,0.09], P < 0.01; social activities: β = 0.10, 95% CI [0.03,0.18], P < 0.01). Notably, an increase in PM2.5 exposure during the preceding year was significantly associated with a declining cognitive function (β = -0.05, 95% CI [-0.08,-0.03], P < 0.01), outdoor activities (β = -0.02, 95% CI [-0.04, -0.01], P < 0.01) and social activities (β = -0.02, 95% CI [-0.02, -0.01], P < 0.01) in the current year; the lagged effects of the PM2.5 exposure in the past year of the last wave on activities and cognitive function of the following wave were also observed. INTERPRETATION Our findings not only indicate the bi-directional links between the frequency of outdoor or social activities and cognitive function, but also report that PM2.5 exposure plays a role in catalyzing the detrimental inactivity-poor cognition cycle. Future research should investigate whether the policy-driven interventions, such as clean air policies, can break the unfavorable activity-cognition cycle, and thereby promoting health from the dual gains in leisure activities and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuling Jiang
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China; China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yifei Wu
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Hu
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shaojie Li
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China; China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Longbin Ren
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Mingzhi Yu
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China; China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Yang
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhouwei Liu
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China; China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Manchester Urban Ageing Research Group (MUARG), The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Kejia Hu
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunquan Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gill Livingston
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Junfeng Jim Zhang
- Global Health Institute and the Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yi Zeng
- Center for Healthy Aging and Development Studies, National School of Development, Peking University, Beijing, China; Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development and Geriatrics Division, Medical School of Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Huashuai Chen
- Business School of Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, China.
| | - Yao Yao
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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Wang Y, Timms F, Li J, Yu H. Benefits of nature-based intervention in combating the impact of urbanization on psychopathology in industrialized societies. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2024; 37:202-211. [PMID: 38415720 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The assumption has been made that urbanization adversely affects mental health, primarily attributed to the lack of access to nature. Our objective is to examine whether nature-based interventions can reduce psychopathology within an urban setting. RECENT FINDINGS Nature-based interventions are generally categorized as either physical or virtual. Physical interventions engage participants in various activities like passive exposure, outdoor swimming, or physical activities in natural environments. On the other hand, virtual interventions expose participants to visual, auditory, or even olfactory stimuli to simulate natural environments. While most interventions achieved some degree of success in enhancing overall well being, not all demonstrated a significant reduction in depression and anxiety. SUMMARY The review identified a shortage of well designed and well implemented outdoor or virtual nature-based interventions. Longitudinal designs in physical nature-based interventions provided the strongest evidence for reducing anxiety and depression. Multisensory virtual nature-based interventions also show significant potential for alleviating anxiety and depression in urban dwellers. Conversely, brief nature-based interventions yielded inconsistent results in improving mental health. Urgent investment in high-quality interventions and research in this domain is imperative to inform policy and enhance overall mental health in urban settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, China; School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Franklin Timms
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
| | - Jiaqi Li
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, China; School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
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Neil AL, Pryor A, Kneebone J, Flies EJ. Outdoor mental healthcare: What, who, why and where to? Australas Psychiatry 2023; 31:798-805. [PMID: 37970826 DOI: 10.1177/10398562231211110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Outdoor mental healthcare can increase the breadth of multidisciplinary interventions available to people with a therapeutic need. The aim of this article is to educate readers about the field of outdoor mental healthcare through the exploration of a series of basic questions.Conclusions: Outdoor mental healthcare spans a range of therapies that apply a variety of theoretical approaches and treatments across a multiplicity of settings, patient groups and desired outcomes unified by key evidence-informed practice elements. Through use of a predominantly non-mainstream workforce working in non-conventional clinical settings outdoor mental healthcare may contribute to treatment accessibility and acceptability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Neil
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
- The ALIVE National Centre for Mental Health Research Translation, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Anita Pryor
- Adventure Works Australia, Hobart, TAS, Australia
- Outdoor Health Policy Unit, Australian Association for Bush Adventure Therapy, Templestowe, VIC, Australia; and
- Australian Association of Family Therapy Inc., Tasmanian Branch
| | - Jessica Kneebone
- Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation, Hobart, TAS, Australia
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Emily J Flies
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
- School of Geography, Planning and Spatial Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia; and
- Healthy Landscapes Research Group, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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Owens M, Bunce H. The effect of brief exposure to virtual nature on mental wellbeing in adolescents. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17769. [PMID: 37853074 PMCID: PMC10584913 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44717-z] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Adolescence is a time of multiple transitions and a vulnerability period for mental health difficulties. There are many barriers to the treatment of mental health conditions which is one reason for developing alternatives to help improve efficacy in treatment and prevention. One approach is to use nature-based interventions (NBIs) to improve mental wellbeing. In this experimental proof-of-principle intervention study, we randomly allocated a sample of adolescents to brief exposure (6 min) to either a virtual woodland nature video or a busy train journey and tested the effect on mental wellbeing. Results showed beneficial effects in the nature condition on several self-reported outcomes including stress, relaxation, affect, mood, attention, nature connection and nature spirituality. The intervention was mainly acceptable and feasible to do suggesting that overall brief virtual nature interventions may have utility in a range of mental health contexts for adolescents including as self-help universal or targeted prevention strategies, adjunct to psychological therapy and as preparation for more intensive NBIs. Additionally, brief virtual nature interventions support accessibility for those who may be limited on time, unable to access real-life nature or who may be more biophobic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Owens
- Department of Psychology, The Mood Disorders Centre, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QQ, UK.
- The ROWAN Group, Exeter, UK.
| | - Hannah Bunce
- The ROWAN Group, Exeter, UK
- Somerset Foundation Trust NHS, Taunton, TA1 5DA, UK
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Rose P, Riley L. Five ways to wellbeing at the zoo: improving human health and connection to nature. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1258667. [PMID: 37809291 PMCID: PMC10551184 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1258667] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Good mental and physical health go hand-in-hand when identifying factors that lead people to experience a better overall quality of life. A growing disconnect to the natural world is worsening the mental health of individuals in many societies. Numerous scientific publications have evidenced that being in nature and access to green and blue spaces positively impact upon humans' physical and mental health. For many people, particularly those living in more urbanized areas, managed natural spaces and borrowed landscapes, such as those found in public parks, wildlife reserves and zoological gardens give the only opportunities for wider engagement with nature. Many zoos are designated green spaces and therefore human visitors can engage with native fauna and flora as well as exotic wild animals. This article reviews the UK Government's "The Five Ways to Wellbeing" concept, applied to zoos and aquariums and thus suggests how zoos and aquariums can use this framework to promote positive nature-connectivity experiences for their visitors and promote good wellbeing. The Five Ways to Wellbeing are Connect, Be active, Take notice, Keep learning, and Give. We illustrate how zoos and aquariums could model their approaches to educational and engagement roles, as well as design initiatives to reach out to local communities via the Five Ways to Wellbeing concept. We show that many of the positive programs and works conducted by zoos and aquariums lend themselves to further engagement with the Five Ways to Wellbeing structure. By taking such a structured approach in the design, implementation and evaluation of their activities, zoos can expand their abilities in connecting humans with nature and further add value to their living collections of animals and plants. By including Wellbeing as a defined aim of the modern zoo, it will be clear to all of those involved in their work, visitors, workers, stakeholders, that zoos are working to promote, protect and preserve positive wellbeing outputs for humans and animals alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Rose
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- WWT, Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Slimbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Riley
- Centre for Animal Welfare, University of Winchester, Winchester, United Kingdom
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Curtin EL, d'Apice K, Porter A, Widnall E, Franklin M, de Vocht F, Kidger J. Perspectives on an enhanced 'Improving Access to Psychological Therapies' (IAPT) service addressing the wider determinants of mental health: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:536. [PMID: 37226155 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09405-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A new Health and Wellbeing pathway was introduced into the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service in one geographical area of the UK in 2021 to address the wider determinants of mental health problems. It comprised assisted signposting to wider services and physical health promotion. This qualitative study aimed to understand stakeholders' experiences of implementing and receiving this new support and the barriers and facilitators to its delivery. METHODS Forty-seven interviews were conducted, with service developers (n = 6), service deliverers (n = 12), service users (n = 22) and community and clinical partners (n = 7), as part of a larger mixed-methods evaluation. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Three themes spanned all participant groups and represented key aspects of the service: (1) identifying suitability, (2) a holistic service, and (3) moving forward. The sub-themes represent the barriers and facilitators to processes working in practice, lending insight into potential service improvements. These included strengthening the quality of communication during referral and assessment, tailoring the support and delivery mode, and increasing transparency around continued care to drive sustained benefits. LIMITATIONS Service users may have been selected due to their positive experiences of IAPT and were not demographically representative of the population, although participants' experiences of the service did suggest variation in our sample. CONCLUSIONS The Health and Wellbeing pathway was perceived as having a positive impact on mental health and could reduce the burden on therapeutic services. However, service- and individual-level barriers need to be addressed to enhance statutory and community support links, manage service users' expectations, and improve accessibility for certain groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Louise Curtin
- Department of Population Health, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Katrina d'Apice
- Centre for Public Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK.
| | - Alice Porter
- Centre for Public Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Emily Widnall
- Centre for Public Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Matthew Franklin
- School for Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Regent Court, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK
| | - Frank de Vocht
- Centre for Public Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), Whitefriars, Lewins Mead, Bristol, BS1 2NT, UK
| | - Judi Kidger
- Centre for Public Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
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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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Ho MH, Wu MS, Yen HY. Effects of virtual reality natural experiences on factory workers' psychological and physiological stress. Front Psychol 2023; 14:993143. [PMID: 36949920 PMCID: PMC10025299 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.993143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Manufacturing facilities and factories are stressful work environments. Interventions to improve factory workers' stress is necessary to promote occupational health. This study aimed to examine the effects of virtual reality natural experiences on furniture factory employees' psychological and physiological stress. Methods A single-blinded, non-randomised quasi-experimental study was conducted between July and December 2021. Factory workers were recruited from two factories, and all participants at a given factory were assigned to either an experimental group or a comparison group. The intervention was conducted in a clean conference room once a week for 12 weeks during the worker's break time. The experimental group received virtual reality natural experiences consisting of 30-minute nature-based 360° videos which were played in a headset. The generalised estimating equations were performed for the statistical analyses. Results In total, 35 participants completed the intervention. As to psychological stress, the experimental group showed improvements in distress, depression, and anxiety, and a positive affect after the intervention compared to the comparison group. As to physiological stress, the experimental group showed improvements in indicators of heart rate variability compared to the comparison group, including standard deviations of all normal-to-normal intervals, low-frequency power, and high-frequency power. Discussion Virtual reality is an innovative platform to bring the natural environment into an indoor environment to create similar health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Hsing Ho
- School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Meng-Shin Wu
- School of Gerontology and Long-Term Care, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yen Yen
- School of Gerontology and Long-Term Care, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Hsin-Yen Yen, ;
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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: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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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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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Nature-Based Meditation, Rumination and Mental Wellbeing. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159118. [PMID: 35897493 PMCID: PMC9332585 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Novel approaches for children and young people (CYP) in the prevention and intervention of mental illness are needed and nature-based interventions (NBI) may be clinically useful. This proof-of-principle study tested the effects of a novel brief nature-based meditation on rumination, depressive symptoms and wellbeing in young people. Sixty-eight university students were randomised to one of three conditions: active control (n = 23), indoor meditation (n = 22) or nature-based meditation (n = 23). Participants completed self-report measures on state and trait rumination post intervention and depression and wellbeing at a 2-week follow-up. Depressive rumination significantly decreased post intervention in the nature condition and depressive symptoms improved for both intervention groups. Wellbeing only significantly improved at follow-up in the nature condition. Nature condition participants demonstrated one minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for wellbeing at follow-up. Depressive symptoms for this condition were below the clinically significant threshold for depression. The number needed to treat (NNT) analysis suggested that two to five young people would need to complete the intervention. Preliminary evidence suggests NBIs, such as the one in the present study, can reduce depressive rumination and symptoms and improve wellbeing. Replication with larger clinical samples is required to substantiate findings.
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