Changes in emotions and perceived stress following time spent in an artistically designed multisensory environment

2021 ◽  
pp. medhum-2020-011876
Author(s):  
Bliss Cavanagh ◽  
Kirsti Haracz ◽  
Miranda Lawry ◽  
Kylie Wales ◽  
Carole James
Keyword(s):  
Negative Affect ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Affective States ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Multisensory Environment ◽  
Health And Well Being

Self-management strategies that enhance positive emotions are considered most effective to cope with stress and maintain good mental health and well-being. An artistically designed multisensory environment, The Sensory-Art Space (SAS), was installed in a university in NSW Australia as a new self-management intervention. The design of the SAS was informed by evidence regarding the benefits of viewing art, experiencing nature and accessing sensory rooms.A pilot pre–post intervention study measured changes in affect and perceived stress in 224 participants who spent time in the SAS. Descriptive statistics were completed on the individual affective states, and paired sample t-tests were used to determine changes in Positive and Negative Affect (PANAS-X) and perceived stress (Visual Analogue Scale).The Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed that negative affect reduced, z=−10.23 (p<0.001), and positiveaffect increased, z=−2.57 (p=0.01), following spending time in the SAS. In addition, stress levels reduced after time spent in the SAS, z=−11.29 (p<0.0001).Self-management benefits were found following time in the SAS and future implications for public health and well-being are discussed.

scholarly journals Examining the spatial relationship between environmental health factors and house prices

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 353-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. McCord ◽  
Sean MacIntyre ◽  
Paul Bidanset ◽  
Daniel Lo ◽  
Peadar Davis
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Environmental Quality ◽  
House Prices ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Spatial Modelling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

Purpose Air quality, noise and proximity to urban infrastructure can arguably have an important impact on the quality of life. Environmental quality (the price of good health) has become a central tenet for consumer choice in urban locales when deciding on a residential neighbourhood. Unlike the market for most tangible goods, the market for environmental quality does not yield an observable per unit price effect. As no explicit price exists for a unit of environmental quality, this paper aims to use the housing market to derive its implicit price and test whether these constituent elements of health and well-being are indeed capitalised into property prices and thus implicitly priced in the market place. Design/methodology/approach A considerable number of studies have used hedonic pricing models by incorporating spatial effects to assess the impact of air quality, noise and proximity to noise pollutants on property market pricing. This study presents a spatial analysis of air quality and noise pollution and their association with house prices, using 2,501 sale transactions for the period 2013. To assess the impact of the pollutants, three different spatial modelling approaches are used, namely, ordinary least squares using spatial dummies, a geographically weighted regression (GWR) and a spatial lag model (SLM). Findings The findings suggest that air quality pollutants have an adverse impact on house prices, which fluctuate across the urban area. The analysis suggests that the noise level does matter, although this varies significantly over the urban setting and varies by source. Originality/value Air quality and environmental noise pollution are important concerns for health and well-being. Noise impact seems to depend not only on the noise intensity to which dwellings are exposed but also on the nature of the noise source. This may suggest the presence of other externalities that arouse social aversion. This research presents an original study utilising advanced spatial modelling approaches. The research has value in further understanding the market impact of environmental factors and in providing findings to support local air zone management strategies, noise abatement and management strategies and is of value to the wider urban planning and public health disciplines.

scholarly journals COVID-19 as a Stressor: Pandemic Expectations, Perceived Stress, and Negative Affect in Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda R Whitehead
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Stress And Coping ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
And Coping

Abstract Objectives The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic is appraised as a stressor influences perceived stress (PS) and psychological well-being during the event. Here, the association of older adults’ expectations concerning the pandemic’s duration and impact with PS and negative affect (NA) is investigated. Based on the stress and coping framework, PS is expected to mediate the association between COVID-19 expectations and NA. Methods Seven hundred fourteen residents of the United States and aged 60 and older completed an anonymous online survey in late March 2020 reporting PS, NA, and expectations regarding the pandemic. Results Regression analyses controlling for demographic factors revealed that more dire pandemic expectations significantly predicted PS and NA directly, and the effects on NA were significantly mediated by PS. Discussion Findings provide evidence that expectations about a pandemic influence the extent to which older adults experience stress and NA in the midst of a pandemic event. Implications for mental health are discussed.

scholarly journals The Impact of Short-term Integrated Yoga practice on Psychological wellbeing in special educators of individual with special needs

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (04) ◽  
pp. 68-72
Author(s):  
Vijayakumar PS ◽  
Sahana AU ◽  
Anusha Rajanna
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Special Educators ◽  
Work Conditions ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Yoga Practice ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Signed Rank Test ◽  
The Impact

Background: Special educators face unprecedented work conditions and expectations that affect their psychological wellbeing and professional outcome as well. This study examines the growing evidence that even a short-term Integrated yoga practice enhance psychological wellbeing among special educators by reducing their stress, anxiety and depression levels. Materials and Methods: Special educators were recruited based on inclusion and exclusion criteria (n=20) age ranging between 25-50 years (Mean35±6.3) for a single group interventional pre-post study design: Integrated yoga module (included postures, breathing practices, relaxation and mediation) was given for a period of 8 weeks. The subjects were assessed on day 1 pre and post intervention on day 60 on perceived stress scale (PSS), Beck’s depression inventory (BDI-II) and Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Results: After 8 weeks of Integrated yoga practice there was asignificant reduction in anxiety scores (P less than 0.000), depression scores (P less than 0.000) and perceived stress levels (P less than 0.000) respectively compared to baseline by wilcoxon signed rank test. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that even a short-term integrated yoga intervention that can enhance psychological wellbeing of the special educators.

It’s like another world: the perceived beneficial effects of an artistically designed multisensory environment

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bliss Cavanagh ◽  
Kirsti Haracz ◽  
Miranda Lawry ◽  
Carole James
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
The Arts ◽  
Variation Approach ◽  
Restorative Environment ◽  
Multisensory Environment

Self-management strategies have been identified as having a key role in supporting mental health and preventing mental illness. Evidence suggests that spending time in nature, experiencing or viewing artwork and accessing sensory rooms all support self-management and positive mental health among varied clinical populations. This evidence informed the design of the sensory–art space (SAS), an artistically designed multisensory environment, which drew on themes and images of nature.The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and perceived benefits of the SAS among members of a university community.A maximum variation approach to sampling was used, and 18 participants were included in this qualitative study. Data were gathered via semi-structured interviews, which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis.The findings presented six themes. The two core themes were: it’s like another world, and easy to focus and describe how the SAS produced the beneficial effects described in the four remaining themes of: emotionally nutritious, meditative effects, relaxation and therapeutic.Participants identified beneficial effects of the SAS that were consistent with the evidence for other self-management strategies. The identified benefits also aligned with existing theories suggesting that the SAS functioned as a restorative environment. This study is the first to explore the experience of art in a multisensory and multidimensional capacity, which further contributes to the growing field of receptive engagement with the arts for health outcomes.

scholarly journals A faith-based mind–body intervention to improve psychosocial well-being among rural adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 546-554
Author(s):  
Scherezade K Mama ◽  
Nishat Bhuiyan ◽  
Melissa J Bopp ◽  
Lorna H McNeill ◽  
Eugene J Lengerich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Underserved Populations ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Faith Based ◽  
Rural Adults

Abstract Churches are well positioned to promote better mental health outcomes in underserved populations, including rural adults. Mind–body (MB) practices improve psychological well-being yet are not widely adopted among faith-based groups due to conflicting religious or practice beliefs. Thus, “Harmony & Health” (HH) was developed as a culturally adapted MB intervention to improve psychosocial health in urban churchgoers and was adapted and implemented in a rural church. The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of HH to reduce psychosocial distress in rural churchgoers. HH capitalized on an existing church partnership to recruit overweight or obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥25.0 kg/m2) and insufficiently active adults (≥18 years old). Eligible adults participated in an 8 week MB intervention and completed self-reported measures of perceived stress, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and positive and negative affect at baseline and postintervention. Participants (mean [M] age = 49.1 ± 14.0 years) were mostly women (84.8%), non-Hispanic white (47.8%) or African American (45.7%), high socioeconomic status (65.2% completed ≥bachelor degree and 37.2% reported an annual household income ≥$80,000), and obese (M BMI = 32.6 ± 5.8 kg/m2). Participants reported lower perceived stress (t = −2.399, p = .022), fewer depressive symptoms (t = −3.547, p = .001), and lower negative affect (t = −2.440, p = .020) at postintervention. Findings suggest that HH was feasible, acceptable, and effective at reducing psychosocial distress in rural churchgoers in the short-term. HH reflects an innovative approach to intertwining spirituality and MB practices to improve physical and psychological health in rural adults, and findings lend to our understanding of community-based approaches to improve mental health outcomes in underserved populations.

scholarly journals Age Moderates Perceived COVID-19 Disruption on Well-Being

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Knepple Carney ◽  
Allyson S Graf ◽  
Grace Hudson ◽  
Ellen Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Design And Methods

Abstract Background and Objectives It is not fully understood how large-scale events affect well-being. Older adults showed the highest levels of resilience following the September 11th (9/11) terrorist attacks, but during the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak, there were no age-related differences in well-being. The current study examined the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) disruption on well-being throughout adulthood. Research Design and Methods Perceived stress and affect were examined in 166 community-dwelling adults (Mage = 35.65; SD = 15.53; range = 18–79) in relation to the perceived disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic to their lives. Results A significant moderation was found for age and COVID-19 disruption on perceived stress [F(5, 153) = 8.88, p &lt; .05, R2 = .22] and negative affect [F(5, 154) = 4.91, p &lt; .05, R2 = .14], but not for positive affect. For participants over 50, those who rated COVID-19 as a low or high disruption had similar scores on stress and negative affect, but with younger aged participants, perceiving high disruption corresponded with higher levels of stress and negative affect. Discussion and Implications Findings are consistent with the strength and vulnerability integration (SAVI) model, wherein older adults try to maintain positive emotional well-being, with middle-aged and older adults in the current study having experienced less negative impact on well-being. Middle-aged and older adults may be better able to regulate negative emotions from COVID-19 than younger adults. SAVI proposes a greater negative impact on older adults when they experience sustained stressors; as the challenges with COVID-19 continue, further data will need to be examined.

scholarly journals Evaluating health and well-being outcomes following the South Gloucestershire Pain Review pilot for patients on long-term opioids for chronic non-cancer pain

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp19X703445
Author(s):  
Jo Kesten ◽  
Lauren Scott ◽  
Kevin Bache ◽  
Rosie Closs ◽  
Sabi Redwood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Pain Management ◽  
Cancer Pain ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
The South ◽  
Health And Well Being

BackgroundThe South Gloucestershire Pain Review pilot is an individually-tailored service to help primary care patients on long-term (>3 months) treatment with opioid painkillers for chronic non-cancer pain understand their relationship with opioids and support alternative non-drug-based pain management strategies. The pilot was based in two GP practices in South Gloucestershire.AimTo evaluate the health and well-being outcomes and perceived impact of the pilot service to inform future service development.MethodQuantitative data were collected for all enrolled patients on demographics; opioid use, misuse and dose; and pre-post intervention changes in health, well-being, quality of life (QoL), pain intensity/relief, and interference with life measures. Twenty-five semi-structured interviews (18 service users, seven service providers) explored experiences of the pilot including perceived impacts.ResultsFifty-nine patients were invited to use the service and 34 (58%) enrolled. The median prescribed opioid dose reduced from 90 mg (interquartile range [IQR] 60–240) at baseline to 72 mg (IQR 30–160) at follow-up (P<0.001). On average, service users showed improvement on all health, well-being, and QoL outcomes except pain relief. The service was received positively. Perceived benefits related to well-being and QoL, use of pain management strategies (for example pacing), changes in medication use and changes in primary care use.ConclusionThe pilot has shown promising results. The service was viewed as acceptable and health and well-being outcomes suggest a benefit. Following further development of the service, a randomised controlled trial is needed to formally test the effects of this type of care pathway on pain management and reducing long-term opioid use.

scholarly journals Virtual Reality Relaxation for Patients With a Psychiatric Disorder: Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wim Veling ◽  
Bart Lestestuiver ◽  
Marieke Jongma ◽  
H J Rogier Hoenders ◽  
Catheleine van Driel
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Psychiatric Disorder ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Affective States ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Relaxation Exercises ◽  
Short Term Effects

BACKGROUND Virtual reality (VR) relaxation is a promising mental health intervention that may be an effective tool for stress reduction but has hardly been tested in clinical trials with psychiatric patients. We developed an easy-to-use VR self-management relaxation tool (VRelax) with immersive 360° nature videos and interactive animated elements. OBJECTIVE To investigate the immediate effects of VR relaxation on negative and positive affective states and short-term effects on perceived stress and symptoms in patients with a psychiatric disorder, compared to standard relaxation exercises. METHODS A randomized crossover trial was conducted in 50 patients receiving ambulatory treatment for anxiety, psychotic, depressive, or bipolar disorder. Participants were randomly assigned to start with VRelax or standard relaxation and used both interventions for 10 days at home. They completed 8 visual analog scales of momentary negative and positive affective states before and after each session. Global perceived stress and psychiatric symptoms were measured before and after both intervention periods. Treatment effects were analyzed with multilevel mixed model regression analyses and 2-way analysis of variance. RESULTS Both VRelax and standard relaxation exercises led to a statistically significant immediate improvement of all negative and positive affective states. Compared to standard relaxation, VRelax resulted in a significantly greater reduction of total negative affective state (change 16.2% versus 21.2%; t<sub>1684</sub>=−2.02, 95% CI −18.70 to −0.28; <i>P</i>=.04). Specifically, VRelax had a stronger beneficial effect on momentary anxiety (t<sub>1684</sub>=−3.24, 95% CI −6.86 to −1.69), sadness (t<sub>1684</sub>=−2.32, 95% CI −6.51 to −0.55), and cheerfulness (t<sub>1684</sub>=2.35, 95% CI 0.51 to 5.75). There were no significant differences between short-term effects of the two treatments on global perceived stress and symptoms. CONCLUSIONS If the results of this trial are replicated and extended, VRelax may provide a much-needed, effective, easy-to-use self-management relaxation intervention to enhance psychiatric treatments. CLINICALTRIAL Netherlands Trial Register NTR7294; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/7096

scholarly journals Pain Self-Management Strategies of Chronic Back Pain Sufferers in Thailand: A Qualitative Study (A Doctoral Project)

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-92
Author(s):  
Petcharat Rujipong ◽  
Kannika Kantaruksa ◽  
Nonglak Chaloumsuk ◽  
Chanchai Yothayai
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Chronic Low Back Pain ◽  
Chronic Back Pain ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Chronic Lower Back Pain ◽  
Low Back

Background: Chronic low back pain is among the most common chronic musculoskeletal disorders worldwide. It is prevalent in Thailand, affecting up to 30% of the general population, with much higher rates among manual labourers. Pain self-management, including education, exercise, medication and other components, is an effective strategy for reducing pain intensity and disability rates for chronic low back pain sufferers. Objective: To investigate pain self-management strategies among chronic lower back pain sufferers in Thailand. Methods: The study design was a qualitative interview-based technique. The study setting was an orthopaedic outpatient department at a university hospital in Northern Thailand. Participants (n = 19) were selected based on recruitment criteria, and data was collected using demographic forms and in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative analysis, with Wilcoxon signed-rank test used to assess changes in pain levels. Results: Participants used a combination of pain self-management modalities, including exercise, modified food consumption, increased rest, herbal treatments, hot and cold compression, Thai massage, and acupressure, along with psychological and spiritual coping tools like meditation and making merit. Ability to use these interventions was dependent on medical support from practitioners as well as social and other support. A small, but significant, mean difference in pain was also observed. Conclusion: Findings point to the possibility that there are significant cultural differences in pain self-management modalities and their effectiveness.

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