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Stanhope J, Weinstein P. What are green prescriptions? A scoping review. J Prim Health Care 2023; 15:155-161. [PMID: 37390033 DOI: 10.1071/hc23007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Clear terminology is critical to allow accurate communication between practitioners, policy makers and the public. Aim We investigated how the term 'green prescription' has been used in the peer-reviewed literature. Methods We conducted a scoping review of the peer-reviewed literature that used the term 'green prescription(s)' and determined how this term was used. We then investigated how the term has been used over time, in different geographic locations and in different academic disciplines. Results We included 268 articles that used the term 'green prescription(s)'. We found that the phrase 'green prescription(s)' has been used since 1997 to mean a written prescription for a lifestyle change, most commonly physical activity, provided by a health practitioner. However, more recently (since 2014) the term has also been used to mean exposure to nature. Despite the emergence of this new meaning, 'green prescription' remains, in the health and medical science literature across all continents, most commonly used to describe a prescription for physical activity. Conclusion The use of the term 'green prescriptions' is inconsistent and has led to misuse of the research evidence regarding written prescriptions for exercise/diet being used to justify nature exposure to improve human health. We recommend that the term 'green prescriptions' continues to be used only as per its original definition, to refer to written prescriptions for physical activity and/or diet. For prescriptions to spend time in nature, we suggest use of the more appropriate term 'nature prescriptions'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Stanhope
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia; and School of Allied Health Science and Practice, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia; and Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Philip Weinstein
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia; and Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia; and School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia; and South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
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Huber D, Freidl J, Pichler C, Bischof M, Kiem M, Weisböck-Erdheim R, Squarra G, De Nigris V, Resnyak S, Neberich M, Bordin S, Zechner R, Hartl A. Long-Term Effects of Mountain Hiking vs. Forest Therapy on Physical and Mental Health of Couples: A Randomized Controlled Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20021469. [PMID: 36674227 PMCID: PMC9859399 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lifelong physical activity is related to longer health span, which is reflected at an individual level, and is of substantial socioeconomic relevance. Sedentary lifestyles, on the other hand, pose an increasingly major public health problem. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on activity levels and well-being. Previous research indicates that contact with nature might improve exercise levels as well as well-being. METHODS This randomized, controlled clinical trial (ANKER-study) investigated the effects of two types of nature-based therapies (forest therapy and mountain hiking) in couples (FTG: n = 23; HG: n = 22;) with a sedentary or inactive lifestyle on health-related quality of life, relationship quality and other psychological and physiological parameters. RESULTS The results of this study displayed that healthy and highly functioning women and men with sedentary lifestyles mentally benefit from contact with nature (quality of life, satisfaction with life, mood, internal and external health-related control beliefs). The gender-specific effect on women is most visible in the physiological outcomes (hemopoietic system, aerobic capacity, skeletal muscle mass and hydration) of mountain hiking. Men and women showed small improvements in blood pressure as a result of the interventions. CONCLUSIONS The ANKER-study provides a method for valid comparison of forest therapy interventions for the first time. Regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the nature-based intervention presented could offer a multimodal contribution to maintaining a more active lifestyle, further contact with nature that affects peoples physical as well as mental health, and an improvement in social interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Huber
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Johanna Freidl
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christina Pichler
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Michael Bischof
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Martin Kiem
- Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, 39010 Tisens, Italy
| | | | | | - Vincenzo De Nigris
- Institute of Sports Medicine, South Tyrol Health Authority, 39100 Bozen, Italy
| | - Stefan Resnyak
- Institute of Sports Medicine, South Tyrol Health Authority, 39100 Bozen, Italy
| | - Marcel Neberich
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Susanna Bordin
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - René Zechner
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Arnulf Hartl
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
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3
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Ewert A, Direnzo A. The Intersection of Natural Landscapes, Human Health, and Adventure Experiences: Linkages and Outcomes. ECOPSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1089/eco.2021.0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alan Ewert
- Department of Health and Wellness Design, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Amy Direnzo
- Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies, SUNY Cortland, Cortland, New York, USA
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Buckley R, Zhong L, Martin S. Mental health key to tourism infrastructure in China's new megapark. TOURISM MANAGEMENT 2021; 82:104169. [PMID: 32834313 PMCID: PMC7399666 DOI: 10.1016/j.tourman.2020.104169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The global economic value of parks through improved mental health of tourists has been estimated at about ten times greater than direct park tourism expenditure. The Chinese term for this health services value is jing hua xin ling, psychological destressing. Here we present the first case where optimal tourist infrastructure is influenced by including mental health. Using a multi-stage, cross-lingual, differential stakeholder method, we analyse conflicts between road- and roadless-access tourism in the very large new Sanjiangyuan National Park, Qinghai, which offers jing hua xin ling to domestic tourists from eastern-seaboard cities. This provides a powerful tourism attraction, and hence economic opportunity, for the region around the park. If these mental health aspects are included, together with their direct and indirect consequences for tourism, then roadlessness is preferable to new roads. Similar infrastructure conflicts occur for park tourism worldwide, and jing hua xin ling can provide a global theoretical framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Buckley
- Institute for Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
- International Chair in Ecotourism Research (Emeritus), Griffith University, Australia
| | - Linsheng Zhong
- Institute for Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Steve Martin
- Former Director, Grand Canyon National Park, US National Parks Service, USA
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5
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Buckley R, Westaway D. Mental health rescue effects of women's outdoor tourism: A role in COVID-19 recovery. ANNALS OF TOURISM RESEARCH 2020; 85:103041. [PMID: 33100433 PMCID: PMC7575266 DOI: 10.1016/j.annals.2020.103041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Mental and social health outcomes from a portfolio of women's outdoor tourism products, with ~100,000 clients, are analysed using a catalysed netnography of >1000 social media posts. Entirely novel outcomes include: psychological rescue; recognition of a previously missing life component, and flow-on effects to family members. Outcomes reported previously for extreme sports, but not previously for hiking in nature, include psychological transformation. Outcomes also identified previously include: happiness, gratitude, relaxation, clarity and insights, nature appreciation, challenge and capability, and companionship and community effects. Commercial outdoor tourism enterprises can contribute powerfully to the wellbeing of women and families. This will be especially valuable for mental health recovery, following deterioration during COVID-19 coronavirus lockdowns worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Buckley
- International Chair in Ecotourism Research (Emeritus), Griffith University, 4222, Australia
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6
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Herrmann T, Marchand WR, Yabko B, Lackner R, Beckstrom J, Parker A. Veterans' interests, perceptions, and use of mindfulness. SAGE Open Med 2020; 8:2050312120938226. [PMID: 32821386 PMCID: PMC7406919 DOI: 10.1177/2050312120938226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Mindfulness-based interventions are an evidence-based approach utilized in health care. There is developing evidence for effective use with military Veterans. However, little is known about Veterans’ view of mindfulness. This study aims to understand their interests, perceptions, and use of mindfulness to enhance educational outreach and treatment engagement. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted across the Veterans Health Administration in Salt Lake City, UT by administering a questionnaire to military Veterans. The questionnaire included the following themes: (1) demographics and respondents’ mindfulness practice; (2) respondents’ perceptions and beliefs about mindfulness; and (3) respondents’ knowledge and interest in learning about mindfulness. Results: In all, 185 military Veterans were surveyed; 30% practiced mindfulness in the past year, mainly for stress, posttraumatic stress disorder, sleep, and depression. Over 75% who practiced reported perceived benefit. Veterans rarely reported negative beliefs about mindfulness; 56% perceived an understanding of mindfulness and 46% were aware of Veterans Health Administration mindfulness offerings. In all, 55% were interested in learning about mindfulness, 58% were interested in learning how it could help, and 43% were interested in combining mindfulness with a pleasurable activity. Conclusion: Educational engagement approaches should be directed toward the benefits of mindfulness practice with minimal need to address negative beliefs. Outreach including education, with an experiential component, about mindfulness classes, availability of evening and weekend classes, individual sessions, and virtual offerings into Veteran’s homes, may enhance engagement in mindfulness-based interventions. Mindfulness-based interventions that combine mindfulness training with an experiential pleasurable activity may be one mechanism to enhance treatment engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Herrmann
- Whole Health Service, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - William R Marchand
- Whole Health Service, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Brandon Yabko
- Whole Health Service, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ryan Lackner
- Whole Health Service, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Julie Beckstrom
- Whole Health Service, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Division of Vascular Surgery, School of Medicine, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ashley Parker
- Whole Health Service, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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7
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Buckley R, Brough P, Hague L, Chauvenet A, Fleming C, Roche E, Sofija E, Harris N. Economic value of protected areas via visitor mental health. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5005. [PMID: 31719526 PMCID: PMC6851373 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12631-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluate methods to calculate the economic value of protected areas derived from the improved mental health of visitors. A conservative global estimate using quality-adjusted life years, a standard measure in health economics, is US$6 trillion p.a. This is an order of magnitude greater than the global value of protected area tourism, and two to three orders greater than global aggregate protected area management agency budgets. Future research should: refine this estimate using more precise methods; consider interactions between health and conservation policies and budgets at national scales; and examine links between personalities and protected area experiences at individual scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Buckley
- Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 4222.
| | - Paula Brough
- Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 4222
| | - Leah Hague
- Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 4222
| | | | - Chris Fleming
- Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 4222
| | - Elisha Roche
- Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 4222
| | | | - Neil Harris
- Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 4222
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8
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Bratman GN, Anderson CB, Berman MG, Cochran B, de Vries S, Flanders J, Folke C, Frumkin H, Gross JJ, Hartig T, Kahn PH, Kuo M, Lawler JJ, Levin PS, Lindahl T, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Mitchell R, Ouyang Z, Roe J, Scarlett L, Smith JR, van den Bosch M, Wheeler BW, White MP, Zheng H, Daily GC. Nature and mental health: An ecosystem service perspective. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019. [PMID: 31355340 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax0903/suppl_file/aax0903_sm.pdf] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of empirical evidence is revealing the value of nature experience for mental health. With rapid urbanization and declines in human contact with nature globally, crucial decisions must be made about how to preserve and enhance opportunities for nature experience. Here, we first provide points of consensus across the natural, social, and health sciences on the impacts of nature experience on cognitive functioning, emotional well-being, and other dimensions of mental health. We then show how ecosystem service assessments can be expanded to include mental health, and provide a heuristic, conceptual model for doing so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory N Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Center for Creative Conservation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- The Natural Capital Project, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Christopher B Anderson
- Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Marc G Berman
- Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Grossman Institute for Neuroscience, Quantitative Biology, and Human Behavior, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | | | - Sjerp de Vries
- Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Jon Flanders
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bat Conservation International, Austin, TX 78746, USA
| | - Carl Folke
- Global Economic Dynamics and the Biosphere, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Beijer Institute, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Howard Frumkin
- Wellcome Trust, London, UK
- School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - James J Gross
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Terry Hartig
- Institute for Housing and Urban Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - 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
| | - Ming Kuo
- Landscape and Human Health Laboratory, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Joshua J Lawler
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Center for Creative Conservation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Phillip S Levin
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Center for Creative Conservation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- The Nature Conservancy, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
| | - Therese Lindahl
- Beijer Institute, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Richard Mitchell
- Centre for Research on Environment, Society and Health, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Zhiyun Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jenny Roe
- Center for Design and Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey R Smith
- Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Matilda van den Bosch
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Benedict W Wheeler
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Mathew P White
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Hua Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gretchen C Daily
- Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- The Natural Capital Project, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Stanford Woods Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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9
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Bratman GN, Anderson CB, Berman MG, Cochran B, de Vries S, Flanders J, Folke C, Frumkin H, Gross JJ, Hartig T, Kahn PH, Kuo M, Lawler JJ, Levin PS, Lindahl T, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Mitchell R, Ouyang Z, Roe J, Scarlett L, Smith JR, van den Bosch M, Wheeler BW, White MP, Zheng H, Daily GC. Nature and mental health: An ecosystem service perspective. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaax0903. [PMID: 31355340 PMCID: PMC6656547 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax0903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 445] [Impact Index Per Article: 89.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of empirical evidence is revealing the value of nature experience for mental health. With rapid urbanization and declines in human contact with nature globally, crucial decisions must be made about how to preserve and enhance opportunities for nature experience. Here, we first provide points of consensus across the natural, social, and health sciences on the impacts of nature experience on cognitive functioning, emotional well-being, and other dimensions of mental health. We then show how ecosystem service assessments can be expanded to include mental health, and provide a heuristic, conceptual model for doing so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory N. Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Center for Creative Conservation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- The Natural Capital Project, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Christopher B. Anderson
- Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Marc G. Berman
- Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Grossman Institute for Neuroscience, Quantitative Biology, and Human Behavior, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | | | - Sjerp de Vries
- Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Jon Flanders
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bat Conservation International, Austin, TX 78746, USA
| | - Carl Folke
- Global Economic Dynamics and the Biosphere, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Beijer Institute, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Howard Frumkin
- Wellcome Trust, London, UK
- School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - James J. Gross
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Terry Hartig
- Institute for Housing and Urban Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - 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
| | - Ming Kuo
- Landscape and Human Health Laboratory, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Joshua J. Lawler
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Center for Creative Conservation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Phillip S. Levin
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Center for Creative Conservation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- The Nature Conservancy, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
| | - Therese Lindahl
- Beijer Institute, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Richard Mitchell
- Centre for Research on Environment, Society and Health, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Zhiyun Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jenny Roe
- Center for Design and Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey R. Smith
- Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Matilda van den Bosch
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Benedict W. Wheeler
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Mathew P. White
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Hua Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gretchen C. Daily
- Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- The Natural Capital Project, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Stanford Woods Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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10
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Trøstrup CH, Christiansen AB, Stølen KS, Nielsen PK, Stelter R. The effect of nature exposure on the mental health of patients: a systematic review. Qual Life Res 2019; 28:1695-1703. [DOI: 10.1007/s11136-019-02125-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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11
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Greer M, Vin-Raviv N. Outdoor-Based Therapeutic Recreation Programs Among Military Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Assessing the Evidence. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/21635781.2018.1543063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Greer
- School of Social Work, College of Health and Human Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Neomi Vin-Raviv
- School of Social Work, College of Health and Human Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
- University of Northern Colorado Cancer Rehabilitation Institute, School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado
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12
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The effect of physical activity in an alpine environment on quality of life is mediated by resilience in patients with psychosomatic disorders and healthy controls. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2019; 269:543-553. [PMID: 30046989 PMCID: PMC6611889 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-018-0930-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Physical activity (PA) in an outdoor environment has been shown to exert positive effects on mental well-being beyond those found for PA indoors. The specific effect of an alpine environment has not been investigated so far. Here we evaluate the association of PA in an alpine environment with resilience and quality of life (QOL) in patients with psychosomatic disorders and controls. METHODS 194 patients with psychosomatic disorders (mostly somatoform disorder and major depressive syndrome) and 326 healthy controls were included in this web-based cross-sectional study. PA was scored using an adapted version of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire including the environmental aspect (indoor, outdoor, alpine environment). Resilience was assessed using the Resilience Scale-13, QOL using the WHOQOL-BREF. Group comparisons, correlation and mediation analyses were performed. RESULTS Patients showed significantly lower levels of resilience (p < 0.001) and QOL (p < 0.001) compared to controls. PA in an alpine environment was associated with resilience (patients: r = 0.35, p < 0.001; controls r = 0.18, p < 0.001). There were no significant associations between PA in other environments (outdoor or indoor) and resilience. PA in all three environments correlated with subcategories of QOL. The effect of PA in an alpine environment on QOL was partly mediated by resilience in patients (68% of total effect mediated, p < 0.001) and controls (49% mediated, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION There is a positive effect of PA in an alpine environment on mental health beyond that of physical activity itself. Preventive and therapeutic programs should thus include physical activity, but also take additional benefits of natural environments into account.
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13
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Marchand WR, Klinger W, Block K, VerMerris S, Herrmann TS, Johnson C, Shubin E, Sheppard S. Safety and psychological impact of sailing adventure therapy among Veterans with substance use disorders. Complement Ther Med 2018; 40:42-47. [PMID: 30219467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Many Veterans suffer from substance use disorders (SUDs). Treatment challenges include poor treatment engagement and high relapse rates. Complementary interventions have the potential to enhance both. This study was a preliminary evaluation of sailing adventure therapy (SAT) for this population. DESIGN Retrospective chart review. Participants in the intervention were 22 Veterans (20 male, 2 female) aged 22-65 who entered a Veterans Administration residential SUD treatment program. All subjects had two or more SUDs, and many had psychiatric (95%) and/or medical (77%) comorbidities. The age, gender and diagnosis-matched control group (n = 22) received residential SUD treatment as usual (TAU) in the same program but without SAT. SETTING Residential SUD treatment program at a Veterans Administration Medical Center. INTERVENTION Sailing adventure therapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), State Trait Anxiety Inventory six-item short form (STAI: Y-6 item), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II (AAQ II), Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and a locally developed patient survey. Outcome comparison among SAT plus TAU group versus TAU - only group included measures of successful completion of residential SUD treatment program as well as psychiatric hospitalizations and/or residential SUD treatment program readmissions within 12 months. RESULTS Neither physical injuries nor increases in anxiety or negative affect occurred, as measured by the PANAS (positive change, p = 0.351; negative change, p = 0.605) and the STAI: Y-6 item (p = 0.144) respectively. There was no significant change in FFMQ (p = 0.580) but a significant increase occurred in AAQ II scores (p = 0.036) indicating an increase in psychological flexibility. Survey responses indicated the participants perceived the experience to be both pleasurable and calming. The preliminary outcome evaluation revealed a significant between-group difference (X2 = 5.34, DF = 1, p = 0.02, r = 0.35) indicating participating in SAT was associated with a greater likelihood of successfully completing residential SUD treatment. However, there were no significant between-group differences in number of psychiatric hospitalizations (X2 = 1.09, DF = 1, p = 0.29, r = 0.16) or residential substance abuse treatment program readmissions (X2 = 0.23, DF = 1, p = 0.64, r = 0.07) in the 12 months after discharge from the program. CONCLUSIONS Preliminary evidence suggests that SAT is physically safe and not associated with increased anxiety or negative affect. Participant's perceptions of the experience were positive. Preliminary outcome measures suggest associations between participation in SAT and increased psychological flexibility as well as successful completion of a residential SUD treatment program. Further research is indicated to determine whether SAT may be developed as an effective complementary intervention for Veterans with SUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- W R Marchand
- George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 500 Foothill, Salt Lake City, UT, 84148, USA; Park City Sailing Association, P.O. Box 981236, Park City, UT, 84098, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, 501 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA.
| | - W Klinger
- George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 500 Foothill, Salt Lake City, UT, 84148, USA
| | - K Block
- Park City Sailing Association, P.O. Box 981236, Park City, UT, 84098, USA
| | - S VerMerris
- Park City Sailing Association, P.O. Box 981236, Park City, UT, 84098, USA
| | - T S Herrmann
- George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 500 Foothill, Salt Lake City, UT, 84148, USA
| | - C Johnson
- George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 500 Foothill, Salt Lake City, UT, 84148, USA
| | - E Shubin
- George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 500 Foothill, Salt Lake City, UT, 84148, USA
| | - S Sheppard
- George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 500 Foothill, Salt Lake City, UT, 84148, USA
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14
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Buckley RC, Brough P, Westaway D. Bringing Outdoor Therapies Into Mainstream Mental Health. Front Public Health 2018; 6:119. [PMID: 29774209 PMCID: PMC5944462 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
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15
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Abstract
Achievements and capabilities influence the self-esteem of skilled adventure athletes. Self-esteem affects individual mental health. Aging commonly reduces adventure capabilities. To avoid loss in self-esteem, aging adventure athletes are forced to adjust their aspirations. Here, I examine this process using participant observation, ethnographic and autoethnographic approaches. The qualitative data for this analysis are derived from 60 years’ experience in outdoor adventure activities, and ∼30,000 person-hours of participant observation. I argue that individuals assess their own capabilities against a set of specific feats. For some activities, successful completion of a specific feat is known as nailing it. The selection of these feats depends on factors such as activity and geographic location, as well as individual experience and peer comparisons. I examine the detailed process using a single feat repeated over a period of decades, the bubble-line kayak run through Lava Falls on the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River. I compare other examples of nail or fail to construct a general framework for self-esteem in aging adventure athletes, with both physical and psychological feedback loops. I also identify two key thresholds, as aging adventure athletes recognize their declining skills. These may apply to aging more broadly, beyond outdoor adventure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf C Buckley
- International Chair in Ecotourism Research, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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