1
|
Østergaard EB, Sparre PW, Dahlgaard J. Two-and-a-Half-Year Follow-Up Study with Freedom on Water through Stand-Up Paddling: Exploring Experiences in Blue Spaces and Their Long-Term Impact on Mental Well-Being. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1004. [PMID: 38786414 PMCID: PMC11121499 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12101004] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Blue space interventions evidently have a positive impact on well-being and mental health, yet longitudinal studies on the lasting impact of such interventions are scarce. In this qualitative follow-up study with semi-structured interviews, we explored the long-term experiences over 18-42 months among six out of the initial eight women from the primary study, also including two instructors from the initial study. The participants, dealing with mental disorders, participated in the group-based intervention Freedom on Water, participating in stand-up paddling. Five main themes emerged from the empirical analysis: SUP as a catalyst for broadening horizons; learning: stepping out of the comfort zone; a break from diagnosis and rumination; connectedness to nature, specifically blue nature, and to the group; a life-changing journey; and a shift in mindset. The study revealed a long-term, life-changing impact of the program on participants' well-being and mental health. Nature and blue space activities had become a greater part of their lives, improving their mental health with feelings of calmness, positivity, healing, and freedom. Stepping out of their comfort zone facilitated experiences of success and transformed their mindsets. Moreover, they experienced a break from rumination, and they became more outwardly focused, with confidence in themselves and their abilities, while making new friendships and engaging in new and different contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Bomholt Østergaard
- Research Programme for Mind and Body in Mental Health, Research Center for Rehabilitation and Health Promotion, VIA University College of Aarhus, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark; (P.W.S.); (J.D.)
| | - Pernille Wobeser Sparre
- Research Programme for Mind and Body in Mental Health, Research Center for Rehabilitation and Health Promotion, VIA University College of Aarhus, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark; (P.W.S.); (J.D.)
- Blue Spirit Surf School, Ndr. Strandvej 42, 8400 Ebeltoft, Denmark
| | - Jesper Dahlgaard
- Research Programme for Mind and Body in Mental Health, Research Center for Rehabilitation and Health Promotion, VIA University College of Aarhus, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark; (P.W.S.); (J.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wichrowski MJ, Moscovici M. Horticultural Therapy for Individuals Coping with Dementia: Practice Recommendations Informed by Related Non-Pharmacological Interventions. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:832. [PMID: 38667596 PMCID: PMC11050525 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12080832] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Dementia care currently presents a challenge to healthcare providers on many levels. The rapid increase in the number of people with dementia and the costs of care certainly contribute to these challenges. However, managing the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSDs) has become one of the most significant tasks in providing care and can lead to poor health and well-being outcomes, not only for the people living with dementia (PLWD) but also for those providing their care. Cost-effective, easily implemented, highly adaptable, empirically based alternatives are needed. Interventions such as Horticultural Therapy (HT), which is naturally informed by Montessori-Based Methods for Dementia and sensory reminiscence therapies, meets these qualifying factors. This article, based on a review of current best practices and clinical experience, hopes to provide recommendations for such an intervention along with special considerations for PLWD and adaptations for different acuity levels. With additional safe and effective, person-centered, non-pharmacological interventions available for the complex cognitive and neuropsychiatric manifestations of this disease, a better care milieu can be provided, improving the quality of life for both patients and caregivers. This article also identifies the need for continued research into the synergistic effects of person-centered behavioral and psychosocial interventions combined with environmental approaches to provide the optimal healing environment for those coping with dementia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Wichrowski
- Rusk Rehabilitation, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Reber AS, Baluška F, Miller WB, Slijepčević P. The sensual cell: Feeling and affect in unicellular species. Biosystems 2024; 238:105197. [PMID: 38556108 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2024.105197] [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: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Our previous efforts to probe the complex, rich experiential lives of unicellular species have focused on the origins of consciousness (Reber, 2019) and the biomolecular processes that underlie sentience (Reber et al., 2023). Implied, but unexplored, was the assumption that these cognitive functions and associated unicellular organismal behaviors were linked with and often driven by affect, feelings, sensual experiences. In this essay we dig more deeply into these valenced (We're using the term valence here to cover the aspects of sensory experiences that have evaluative elements, are experienced as positive or negative ─ those where this affective, internal representation is an essential element in how the input is interpreted and responded to.) self-referencing features. In the first part, we examine the empirical evidence for various sensual experiences that have been identified. In the second part, we look at other features of prokaryote life that appear to also have affective, valenced elements but where the data to support the proposition aren't as strong. We engage in some informed speculation about these phenomena.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur S Reber
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - František Baluška
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Botany, University of Bonn, Germany.
| | | | - Predrag Slijepčević
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Brunel, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li H, Zhang G. How can plant-enriched natural environments benefit human health: a narrative review of relevant theories. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:1241-1254. [PMID: 36697394 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2170990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Plant-enriched environments, the most common terrestrial landscapes, are usually coded as "green space" in urban studies. To understand how these natural environments can benefit human health, many theories have been developed, such as the well-known Attention Restoration Theory. Nowadays, more theories are emerging with regard to various and complex health dimensions. In this context, we searched online databases (from 2000 to 2022) and conducted a narrative review aiming to introduce relevant theories concerning psychological (e.g. Perceptual Fluency Account and Conditioned Restoration Theory), physiological (e.g. volatile organic compounds and environmental microbiomes), and behavioural (e.g. physical activity and social contact) perspectives. We also slightly mentioned some limitations and directions to be considered when using these theories. These results may offer general readers insights into the value of nature exposure and also help relevant researchers with study design and result interpretation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hansen Li
- Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness Evaluation and Motor Function Monitoring, Institute of Sports Science, College of Physical Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guodong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness Evaluation and Motor Function Monitoring, Institute of Sports Science, College of Physical Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Benchimol-Elkaim B, Khoury B, Tsimicalis A. Nature-based mindfulness programs using virtual reality to reduce pediatric perioperative anxiety: a narrative review. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1334221. [PMID: 38283632 PMCID: PMC10820709 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1334221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Over 75% of pediatric surgery patients experience preoperative anxiety, which can lead to complicated recoveries. Current interventions are less effective for children over 12 years old. New interventions, like mindfulness-based ones (MBIs), are needed to address this issue. MBIs work well for reducing mental health symptoms in youth, but they can be challenging for beginners. Virtual reality (VR) nature settings can help bridge this gap, providing an engaging 3-D practice environment that minimizes distractions and enhances presence. However, no study has investigated the combined effects of mindfulness training in natural VR settings for pediatric surgery patients, creating a significant gap for a novel intervention. This paper aims to fill that gap by presenting a narrative review exploring the potential of a nature-based mindfulness program using VR to reduce pediatric preoperative anxiety. It begins by addressing the risks of anxiety in children undergoing surgery, emphasizing its impact on physical recovery, and supporting the use of VR for anxiety reduction in hospitals. The review then delves into VR's role in nature and mindfulness, discussing theoretical concepts, clinical applications, and effectiveness. It also examines how the combination of mindfulness, nature, and VR can create an effective intervention, supported by relevant literature. Finally, it synthesizes the existing literature's limitations, findings, gaps, and contradictions, concluding with research and clinical implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Bassam Khoury
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Argerie Tsimicalis
- Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Shriners Hospital for Children, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jones RJF, Littzen COR. An Analysis of Theoretical Perspectives in Research on Nature-Based Interventions and Pain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12740. [PMID: 36232042 PMCID: PMC9566272 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain results from a complex series of biomechanical, inflammatory, neurological, psychological, social, and environmental mechanisms. Pain and pain-related diseases are the leading causes of disability and disease burden globally. Employing nature-based interventions for the treatment of pain is an emerging field. Current theory driving the suggested mechanism(s) linking the pain reducing effects of nature-based interventions is lacking. A two-step approach was taken to complete a theoretical review and analysis. First, a literature review was completed to gather a substantive amount of research related to theoretical frameworks on the topic of nature-based interventions and pain. Secondly, a theoretical analysis as proposed by Walker and Avant was completed to explore current theoretical frameworks accepted in the literature on nature-based interventions and pain. Stress reduction theory and attention restoration theory were the most common theoretical frameworks identified. Neither theoretical framework explicitly identifies, describes, or intends to adequately measure the concept of pain, revealing a limitation for their application in research with nature-based interventions and pain. Theoretical development is needed, as it pertains to nature-based interventions and pain. Without this development, research on nature-based interventions and pain will continue to use proxy concepts for measurement and may result in misrepresented findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reo J. F. Jones
- School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- School of Nursing and Health Innovations, The University of Portland, Portland, OR 97203, USA
| | - Chloé O. R. Littzen
- School of Nursing and Health Innovations, The University of Portland, Portland, OR 97203, USA
| |
Collapse
|