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Ribeiro H, Santana KVDS, Oliver SL. Natural Environments in University Campuses and Students' Well-Being. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:413. [PMID: 38673325 PMCID: PMC11050544 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Most recent university campuses follow the North American model, built on city limits or countryside, with large separate buildings in open green spaces. Studies suggest that the prevalence and severity of mental health issues among university students has been increasing over the past decade in most countries. University services were created to face this growing problem, however individual-based interventions have limited effects on mental health and well-being of a large population. Our aim was to verify if and how the natural environment in campuses is focused on programs to cope with the issue of mental health and well-being among students. A systematic review of literature was undertaken with search in Scopus and LILACS with the keywords "green areas" AND "well-being" AND "Campus", following PRISMA guidelines. As a result, 32 articles were selected. Research on the topic is recent, mostly in the USA, Bulgaria, and China. Most studies used objective information on campuses' greenness and/or university students' perception. Mental health was usually measured by validated scores. Findings of all the studies indicated positive association between campus greenery and well-being of students. We conclude that there is a large potential for use of university campuses in programs and as sites for students' restoration and stress relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Ribeiro
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil; (K.V.d.S.S.); (S.L.O.)
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Chang WY, Wang X, Guo DS, Nguyen LHP, Tran NH, Yang SJ, Lin HZ, Wu HC, Huang CF. Explore the effects of forest travel activities on university students' stress affection. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1240499. [PMID: 38268801 PMCID: PMC10806104 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1240499] [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: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to explore the effects of forest travel activities on university students' stress affection. Forty volunteer university students participated in this study. All participants were asked to complete physiological (Heart Rate Variability) and psychological (Brief Profile of Mood State and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) tests before and after the travel activities. The results reported that students' heart rates were significantly lower after the forest travel activities than before. All domains of negative mood and anxiety decreased from the pre-test to the post-test. This study found that university students could feel less stressed if they went on forest travel activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Yin Chang
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fujian, China
| | - Xin Wang
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fujian, China
| | - De-Sheng Guo
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fujian, China
| | - Lam-Huu-Phuoc Nguyen
- Graduate Institute of Science Education and Environmental Education, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ngoc-Huy Tran
- Graduate Institute of Science Education and Environmental Education, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shuai-Jie Yang
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fujian, China
| | - Hui-Zhong Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hsiu-Chen Wu
- Department of Food and Beverage Management, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Fei Huang
- Graduate Institute of Science Education and Environmental Education, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Vermeesch AL, Ellsworth-Kopkowski A, Prather JG, Passel C, Rogers HH, Hansen MM. Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing): A Scoping Review of the Global Research on the Effects of Spending Time in Nature. GLOBAL ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE AND HEALTH 2024; 13:27536130241231258. [PMID: 38420597 PMCID: PMC10901062 DOI: 10.1177/27536130241231258] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Background This Scoping review (ScR) builds upon the 2017 review conducted by Hansen et al which contributed to evidence base shinrin-yoku (SY), also known as forest bathing (FB), has many positive health effects and is becoming a prescribed dose (specific time spent in nature) by health care providers. Practice and research regarding SY, has been historically based in Asian countries with a recent increase in Europe. The need and call for more research worldwide continues to further the evidence of SY as a health promotion modality. Through this ScR the authors identified programmatic components, health information monitored and screened, time spent in nature, geographical regions, trends, and themes in SY research worldwide. Methods Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines we searched across 7 electronic databases for SY or FB research articles from 2017 through 2022. PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, Embase, JSTOR were included due to the interdisciplinary nature of SY or FB research. Each database provided unique strengths ensuring a capture of a wide range of articles. The resulting articles were screened and extracted through Covidence. Results Database searches returned 241 results, with 110 references removed during the deduplication process, 131 were initially screened in the title and abstract review stage. Resulting in 82 unique results deemed relevant and screened in full text. During the final stage of the review, 63 articles met all inclusion criteria and were extracted for data. Conclusions The practice of SY has physiological (PHYS) and psychological (PSYCH) benefits across age groups. Research findings indicate either the natural or the virtual environment (VW) has significant health benefits. Continued research is encouraged globally for short- and long-term health outcomes for all individuals. The connection with nature benefits the mind, body and soul and is supported by Henry David Thoreau's philosophy: "Our livesneed the relief of where the pine flourishes and the jay still scream."
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber L. Vermeesch
- Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration Coordinator, UNC Greensboro School of Nursing, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | | | - Jenifer G. Prather
- College of Nursing, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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Ding Y, Lee C, Chen X, Song Y, Newman G, Lee R, Lee S, Li D, Sohn W. Exploring the association between campus environment of higher education and student health: A systematic review of findings and measures. URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING 2024; 91:128168. [PMID: 38313064 PMCID: PMC10835873 DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2023.128168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between the neighborhood environments and residents' health. However, other important settings, such as university campuses, have received little attention. This paper conducted a systematic review and synthesized existing empirical works examining the association between the university/college campuses built and natural environments and students' health. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we searched nine databases using keywords related to higher-education campuses and health-related outcomes. A total of 19 articles were identified, including fifteen cross-sectional studies, three experimental studies, and one longitudinal study. The majority of the studies were conducted in Asian countries and published in the past five years. The findings indicate that active transportation infrastructure, such as increased road intersections and better walkability, were found to be positively associated with students' physical activity. The natural environments, including perceived naturalness, blue space, and greenness was shown to support student's mental health and quality of life. Specifically, blue space was found to be the most preferred place for mental restoration, and scattered trees demonstrated a supportive effect in reducing depression symptoms. Even just viewing virtual trees had a restorative effect and feel less anxiety. Additionally, during the summer, tree shadows were identified as the most important factors for enhancing thermal comfort. This review emphasizes the crucial role of campus environments in promoting college students' health. Future longitudinal studies and investigations using multiple campuses would provide a more comprehensive understanding of this relationship. Such endeavors can contribute to the development of evidence-based strategies for designing and planning healthy campus environments that optimize students' well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhen Ding
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, United States
| | - Chanam Lee
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, United States
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, United States
| | - Yang Song
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, United States
| | - Galen Newman
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, United States
| | - Ryunjung Lee
- School of Architecture and Planning, University of Texas at San Antonio, United States
| | - Sungmin Lee
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, United States
| | - Dongying Li
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, United States
| | - Wonmin Sohn
- School of Planning, Design & Construction, Michigan State University, United States
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Shah SS, Asghar Z. Dynamics of social influence on consumption choices: A social network representation. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17146. [PMID: 37389035 PMCID: PMC10300328 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17146] [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: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In this work, through employing Friedkin Johnsen's model, we provide a valuable tool for understanding the complex dynamics of social influence and informational inducements in shaping consumption behaviour and highlight the need for governments, businesses, and individuals to address environmental concerns proactively. People mostly derive anticipation utility from consuming commodities through online shopping. Results suggest that in an information-loving society, people tend to follow the opinion of their groups, which can lead to inefficient choices. On the other hand, in a completely information-averse society, people tend to make inconsistent choices, leading to a lack of consensus. However, in a responsible society, individuals prioritise their own opinions and preferences while still taking into account the information and opinions of others. This results in a slow convergence of opinions, which can lead to responsible consumption and decision-making. People should be encouraged to form their own opinions based on their own experiences and preferences while still considering the information and opinions of others. It can lead to a more efficient and responsible society. Individuals with high self-confidence and self-control are more likely to resist peer pressure and make decisions that align with their values and goals. So, it is essential to consider the context and nature of the social influence when evaluating its impact on people's decision-making. Consumers are not the only players who can shape the world's future. Consumers, governments, corporations, and the media all have important roles to play, and their efforts must be coordinated and complementary to create a more sustainable future.
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Siah CJR, Goh YS, Lee J, Poon SN, Ow Yong JQY, Tam WSW. The effects of forest bathing on psychological well-being: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2023. [PMID: 36864583 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Globally, around half (55%) of the population live in fast-paced urban settings where many people find it challenging to manage their stress and respond to crises with a positive mindset. This resulted in prolonged distress where anxiety and fatigue caused physical and mental health concerns. Nature walks involving immersive exposure in the forest, and green spaces have been posited to offer physiological and psychological benefits. Therefore, in this systematic review, we evaluated the effects of forest bathing on psychological and physiological outcomes. We searched four English and five non-English databases (Chinese and Korean) for peer-reviewed studies published between January 2000 and March 2021. This review adhered to the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Statement 2020. The primary outcomes explored in this review were mainly psychological, including anxiety, depression, mood and quality of life. The secondary outcomes were physiological outcomes such as blood pressure and heart rate. We conducted a meta-analysis on each outcome using the random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed by the I2 statistic. Thirty-six articles (21 in English, 3 in Chinese and 12 in Korean) with 3554 participants were included in this review. Our meta-analysis suggested that forest bathing can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, we did not observe as many benefits in physiological outcomes. Against the background of the negative effects of urbanization on mental well-being, this review highlighted the potential therapeutic role of forests in the contemporary world, lending further evidence-based support for forest conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiew Jiat Rosalind Siah
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yong Shian Goh
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jungup Lee
- Department of Social Work, Faculty of Arts and Social Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sum Nok Poon
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jenna Qing Yun Ow Yong
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wai-San Wilson Tam
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Song S, Tu R, Lu Y, Yin S, Lin H, Xiao Y. Restorative Effects from Green Exposure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14506. [PMID: 36361386 PMCID: PMC9658851 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114506] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Despite growing research on green space and health benefits, the body of evidence remains heterogeneous and unclear. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with high evidence levels are deemed timely. We searched Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for the literature up to January 2022 and assessed bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2.0. We calculated joint impact estimates for each green space exposure assessment technique using random and fixed effects models. Compared to non-green space situations, green space exposure was related to decreased negative feelings, such as fatigue -0.84 (95% CI: -1.15 to -0.54), and increased levels of pleasant emotions, such as vitality 0.85 (95% CI: 0.52 to 1.18). It also lowered physiological indicators, including heart rate levels, by 0.60 (95% CI: -0.90 to -0.31). Effect sizes were large and statistically significant, and the overall quality of the evidence was good. Existing RCTs on greenspace exposure pay insufficient attention to older and adolescent populations, different ethnic groups, different regions, and doses of greenspace exposure interventions. More research is needed to understand how and how much green space investment has the most restorative benefits and guide urban green space planning and renewal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Song
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building Science, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
- School of Architecture, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Ruoxiang Tu
- School of Architecture, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Yao Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building Science, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
- School of Architecture, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Shi Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building Science, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
- School of Architecture, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Hankun Lin
- School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yiqiang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building Science, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
- School of Architecture, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
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Jo SH, Park JS, Yeon PS. The Effect of Forest Video Using Virtual Reality on the Stress Reduction of University Students Focused on C University in Korea. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:12805. [PMID: 34886531 PMCID: PMC8657194 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to study the effect of forest videos using virtual reality (VR) on the stress of college students. The study subjects were 60 college students who watched two-dimensional (2D) and VR videos, and we compared their control heart rate variability (HRV) and electroencephalogram (EEG). As a result, it was found that the VR group had a positive effect on high frequency (HF), standard deviation of all NN intervals (SDNN), and root-mean-square of successive differences (RMSSD) compared with the control group, and the VR group had a positive effect on HF compared with the 2D group. Second, EEG, a physiological indicator, showed statistical differences in Relative Alpha Power (RA), Relative Beta Power (RB), and Ratio of SMR-Mid Beta to Theta (RSMT) in VR groups in intra-group analysis. Among them, it was investigated that watching forest videos on VR became a state of concentration and immersion due to the increase in RSMT. As a result of the above, it was investigated that forest videos using VR had a positive effect on the physiological stress on college students. Therefore, it is expected that a positive effect will occur if VR is used as an alternative to stress management for college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Hee Jo
- Forest Welfare Research Center, Korea Forest Welfare Institute, Youngju 36043, Korea;
| | - Jin-Seok Park
- Department of Forest Therapy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea;
| | - Poung-Sik Yeon
- Department of Forest Therapy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea;
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Short-Term Effects of Forest Therapy on Mood States: A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18189509. [PMID: 34574446 PMCID: PMC8470271 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Immersion in forest environments was shown to produce beneficial effects to human health, in particular psychophysical relaxation, leading to its growing recognition as a form of integrative medicine. However, limited evidence exists about the statistical significance of the effects and their association with external and environmental variables and personal characteristics. This experimental study aimed to substantiate the very concept of forest therapy by means of the analysis of the significance of its effects on the mood states of anxiety, depression, anger and confusion. Seven forest therapy sessions were performed in remote areas and a control one in an urban park, with participants allowed to attend only one session, resulting in 162 psychological self-assessment questionnaires administered before and after each session. Meteorological comfort, the concentration of volatile organic compounds in the forest atmosphere and environmental coherence were identified as likely important external and environmental variables. Under certain conditions, forest therapy sessions performed in remote sites were shown to outperform the control session, at least for anxiety, anger and confusion. A quantitative analysis of the association of the outcomes with personal sociodemographic characteristics revealed that only sporting habits and age were significantly associated with the outcomes for certain psychological domains.
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