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Morrison KT, Jensen KM, Keniston A, McBeth L, Vermeesch AL, O’Connor K“N. Evaluation of a Guided Nature and Forest Therapy Walk for Internal Medical Residents - A Brief Report. GLOBAL ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE AND HEALTH 2024; 13:27536130241228181. [PMID: 38250708 PMCID: PMC10798121 DOI: 10.1177/27536130241228181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Background Medical residents commonly face compassion fatigue, burnout, anxiety, and depression. Studies of nature-based interventions show improved mental and physical health; few focus on healthcare providers. Objective To explore potential benefits of forest bathing for medical residents' wellbeing. Methods Using the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy's framework, we piloted a forest bathing intervention among medical residents with pre/post-participation surveys assessing perceptions of mindfulness and psychological wellbeing. Responses were analyzed using a Fisher's exact test and Student's t-test for independent samples. Results Fourteen of fifteen participants completed both surveys. We observed significantly improved mindfulness scores and expressions of feeling calm, vital, or creative, as well as a decreased sense of anxiety and depression. Nonsignificant trends towards decreased burnout and irritability were seen. Conclusion This quality improvement pilot demonstrates trends that forest bathing can improve medical residents' psychological wellbeing and mindfulness. Further exploration of this intervention for healthcare providers is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine T. Morrison
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Section of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kristin M. Jensen
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Angela Keniston
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Lauren McBeth
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Amber L. Vermeesch
- School of Nursing, Advanced Nursing Education Department, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Kerry “Nellie” O’Connor
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Section of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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McEwan K, Potter V, Kotera Y, Jackson JE, Greaves S. 'This Is What the Colour Green Smells Like!': Urban Forest Bathing Improved Adolescent Nature Connection and Wellbeing. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15594. [PMID: 36497670 PMCID: PMC9741002 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research suggests that an early connection with nature can benefit wellbeing into adulthood. However, there is less research assessing whether adolescents benefit from formal nature connection interventions such as forest bathing (slow mindful nature walks). This research aimed to assess whether an urban nature connection intervention (called ParkBathe) could improve adolescents' nature connection and wellbeing. METHOD In an experimental repeated measures design, 44 adolescents sampled opportunistically from Scouts groups, completed surveys and interviews before and after experiencing an urban nature connection intervention. RESULTS Paired-samples t-tests between baseline and post-intervention survey scores revealed statistically significant improvements in anxiety (13% reduction); rumination (44% reduction); scepticism (17% reduction); nature connection (25% increase); and social connection (12% increase). The largest effect size was found for nature connection. Interviews revealed that before the session, participants had a mixed understanding and expectations of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS After the session, the participants expressed enjoying the social aspects of being part of a group and being present in the moment by noticing nature. They expressed the effects of this as immediately calming and relaxing. Urban forest bathing improved nature connection and wellbeing in adolescents and could be implemented and/or signposted by schools and youth charities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten McEwan
- College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
| | | | - Yasuhiro Kotera
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2HA, UK
| | - Jessica Eve Jackson
- College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
| | - Sarah Greaves
- Support and Wellbeing Service (Student and Campus Life), University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
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Kotera Y, Maybury S, Liu G, Colman R, Lieu J, Dosedlová J. Mental Well-Being of Czech University Students: Academic Motivation, Self-Compassion, and Self-Criticism. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:2135. [PMID: 36360475 PMCID: PMC9690773 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10112135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
University students in the Czech Republic suffer from a low level of mental well-being. Research in other university student populations suggests that academic motivation, self-compassion, and self-criticism are strongly related to mental well-being. Students who are motivated to study, are kind toward themselves, and are less judgmental of themselves tend to have a high level of mental well-being. These relationships had not been evaluated in Czech students. Accordingly, this cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the relationships between mental well-being, academic motivation (intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and amotivation), self-compassion (self-reassurance) and self-criticism (self-inadequacy and self-hate). Of 130 students approached, a convenience sampling of 119 psychology students at a university in the Czech Republic completed a survey regarding these constructs. Correlation, regression, and path analyses were conducted. Mental well-being was positively associated with intrinsic motivation and self-compassion, and negatively associated with amotivation and self-criticism. Self-compassion was identified as the strongest predictor of mental well-being. Lastly, intrinsic motivation mediated the pathway from self-compassion to mental well-being, but not the one from self-inadequacy to mental well-being, and the one from self-hate to mental well-being. Our findings can help educators to identify effective means to protect students' mental well-being. Cultivating students' self-compassion may be helpful to protect their mental well-being. University staff and educators in the Czech Republic need to consider ways to embed self-compassion training into their students' programmes or university life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Kotera
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2HA, UK
| | - Sarah Maybury
- College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
| | - Gillian Liu
- College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
| | - Rory Colman
- College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
| | - Jenai Lieu
- College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
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Kotera Y, Young H, Maybury S, Aledeh M. Mediation of Self-Compassion on Pathways from Stress to Psychopathologies among Japanese Workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191912423. [PMID: 36231737 PMCID: PMC9566548 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
As awareness of mental health increases worldwide, how to improve mental health has begun to be discussed in many countries. Stress is known to cause diverse physical and mental health problems, including psychopathologies. On the other hand, our previous studies identified that self-compassion, kindness and understanding towards oneself are key components for good mental health in many populations, including Japanese workers. The government reports that Japanese workers suffer from high rates of mental health problems. However, the mechanism of how self-compassion helps their mental health remains to be evaluated. Accordingly, this study aimed to elucidate how self-compassion intervenes in pathways from stress to psychopathologies, namely depression and anxiety. One hundred and sixty-five Japanese workers completed an online survey regarding self-compassion, depression, anxiety and stress. Correlation and path analyses were conducted. These four variables were significantly inter-related. While self-compassion mediated the pathway from stress to depression, it did not mediate the pathway from stress to anxiety. These exploratory insights assist in understanding the mechanism of how self-compassion improves mental health and inform effective methods to implement self-compassion interventions to the Japanese workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Kotera
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2HA, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Holly Young
- College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
| | - Sarah Maybury
- College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
| | - Muhammad Aledeh
- College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
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Menardo E, Di Marco D, Ramos S, Brondino M, Arenas A, Costa P, Vaz de Carvalho C, Pasini M. Nature and Mindfulness to Cope with Work-Related Stress: A Narrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19105948. [PMID: 35627491 PMCID: PMC9140663 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19105948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, work-related stress has grown exponentially and the negative impact that this condition has on people's health is considerable. The effects of work-related stress can be distinguished in those that affect workers (e.g., depression and anxiety) and those that affect the company (e.g., absenteeism and productivity). It is possible to distinguish two types of prevention interventions. Individual interventions aim at promoting coping and individual resilience strategies with the aim of modifying cognitive assessments of the potential stressor, thus reducing its negative impact on health. Mindfulness techniques have been found to be effective stress management tools that are also useful in dealing with stressful events in the workplace. Organizational interventions modify the risk factors connected to the context and content of the work. It was found that a restorative workplace (i.e., with natural elements) reduces stress and fatigue, improving work performance. Furthermore, practicing mindfulness in nature helps to improve the feeling of wellbeing and to relieve stress. In this paper, we review the role of mindfulness-based practices and of contact with nature in coping with stressful situations at work, and we propose a model of coping with work-related stress by using mindfulness in nature-based practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Menardo
- Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy; (M.B.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Donatella Di Marco
- Department of Social Psychology, Universidad de Sevilla, 41018 Seville, Spain; (D.D.M.); (A.A.)
| | - Sara Ramos
- DINÂMIA’CET-IUL, Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, 1649-026 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Margherita Brondino
- Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy; (M.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Alicia Arenas
- Department of Social Psychology, Universidad de Sevilla, 41018 Seville, Spain; (D.D.M.); (A.A.)
| | - Patricia Costa
- Business Research Unit (BRU-IUL), Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, 1649-026 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | | | - Margherita Pasini
- Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy; (M.B.); (M.P.)
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Roviello V, Gilhen-Baker M, Vicidomini C, Roviello GN. Forest-bathing and physical activity as weapons against COVID-19: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2022; 20:131-140. [PMID: 34566548 PMCID: PMC8453031 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-021-01321-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Strengthening the immune system in order to better withstand the threat of COVID-19 is an important way to ensure the protection of our health against the current pandemic associated with SARS-CoV-2. There are many ways to achieve this, but with current circumstances, certain modalities stand out as being the most valid and are certainly worth greater consideration. Here we review the effects that particular immuno-strengthening activities can have on limiting the severity of COVID-19 disease as well as preventing virus infection. Physical activity, in particular, should not be discounted as an important method of prevention of viral diseases as it triggers many biological processes within the human body which in turn lead to heightened natural defences against viral infections. When exercise is performed in forested areas, these protective health benefits may be increased since many plant species emit biogenic volatile compounds (VOCs) which, when inhaled, have many protective properties. These VOCs have been shown in particular to have immunostimulatory effects on the human body and, thus, they could be of use in the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19. Being amongst trees may also help to alleviate stress and anxiety, lowering cortisol levels and consequently helping the proper functioning of the immune system. In the following work, we have performed an analysis of the available scientific literature which looks at the effects of physical exercise as well as 'forest-bathing' on the immune system's ability to fight disease, especially of course as it relates to COVID-19. Our review aims at shedding light on the benefits of exercising outdoors in green areas and suggests reforestation as a protective measure against future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Roviello
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering (DICMaPI), University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Melinda Gilhen-Baker
- Faculty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Georgian State Teaching University of Physical Education and Sport, 49, Chavchavadze avenue, 0162 Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Caterina Vicidomini
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, IBB - CNR Mezzocannone Site and Headquarters, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni N. Roviello
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, IBB - CNR Mezzocannone Site and Headquarters, 80134 Naples, Italy
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