A Qualitative Investigation of Leisure Engagement and Health Benefits Among North Korean Adolescent Refugees

2021 ◽  
pp. 074355842110462
Author(s):  
Junhyoung Kim ◽  
Se-Hyuk Park ◽  
May Kim ◽  
Yu-Sik Kim ◽  
Jungsun Kim
Keyword(s):  
Social Adjustment ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Benefits ◽  
Leisure Participation ◽  
Acculturation Theory ◽  
Adolescent Refugees ◽  
Mental Health Benefits ◽  
Depth Interviews

The purpose of this study was to investigate the leisure behaviors of adolescent defectors from North to South Korea and the mental health benefits they derive from leisure participation, a topic not previously addressed in the literature. Semistructured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 participants. Qualitative analysis based on acculturation theory revealed three salient themes of leisure benefits: (a) creating a sense of belonging, (b) increasing psychological well-being, and (c) facilitating acculturation. The results indicate that participants gained social and psychological benefits through leisure activities. They also suggest that the provision of recreation programs that encourage inter/intragroup participation can be an important component of these young refugees’ cultural and social adjustment.

National Identification, A Social Cure for COVID-19? Evidence From 67 Countries

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Bonetto ◽  
Sylvain Delouvée ◽  
Yara Mahfud ◽  
Jais Adam-Troian
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
National Identification ◽  
The Social ◽  
Mental Health Benefits

Social distancing and mass quarantines were implemented worldwide in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Prior research on the effects of social isolation has shown that such measures bear negative consequences for population health and well-being. Conversely, a growing body of evidence suggests that feeling positively identified with a group is associated with a range of physical and mental health benefits. This effect is referred to as the social cure and generalizes to various identities. In line with these findings, this study tested whether national identification could promote wellbeing and physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic. To do so, we used survey data conducted among 67 countries (N = 46,450) which included measures of wellbeing, national identification, and subjective physical health. Mixed-model analyses revealed that national identity was indeed associated with wellbeing - despite adjustment on social belonging, COVID-19 perceived risk, exposure, and ideology. This effect did not extend to subjective health. These results suggest that the mere feeling of belonging to a national group may have mental health benefits and could be leveraged by governments. We discuss the implications of our findings within the social cure framework and their relevance for population mental health under COVID-19.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Mental-Health Positive Impacts of Agritourism; A Case Study from South Korea

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 8712
Author(s):  
Mehdi Rezaei ◽  
Doohwan Kim ◽  
Ahad Alizadeh ◽  
Ladan Rokni
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Positive Mood ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Considerable Improvement ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Emotional Outcomes ◽  
Mental Health Benefits ◽  
Practical Implications

The stressful lifestyle of urban dwellers has increased the demand for green-based leisure activities; considering such growing demand, this paper investigated the potential mental health benefits of agritourism activities. The assessments were based on a questionnaire survey of two groups: visitors of agritourism sites around Seoul and a control group staying home (n = 200). In addition to measuring the participants’ well-being level and stress level, they were also asked to self-estimate their immediate mood after their activities of the day. The analysis was conducted with R version 4.1.0 to explore the potential relationships and interactions between the activity of the day, perceived psychological factors, and the immediate emotional outcomes. Findings reveal that visitors to the agritourism sites perceived considerable improvement in their immediate mood compared to the control group who stayed home. Results indicate a significant interaction between self-reported wellbeing and agritourism activities and a combined effect on improved mood. Therefore, agritourism can potentially be a resource for a positive mood boost and improved mental health. The suggested practical implications can be applied as strategies to evoke the feeling of more connection to the agritourism activities and raise awareness of potential mental health outcomes.

The Biophilia Hypothesis and Mental Health

2022 ◽  
pp. 253-265
Author(s):  
Bonnie Carter King
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Urban Planning ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Underserved Populations ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Biophilic Design ◽  
Mental Health Benefits ◽  
Biophilia Hypothesis

The purpose of this chapter is to highlight literature related to the benefits of spending time in nature and the usefulness of biophilic design to boost mental health. Biophilic design can increase feelings of well-being of workers or inhabitants, increase connection to purpose and meaning-making, and inspire creativity. This chapter will outline (1) research connected to the mental health benefits of spending time in nature for both children and adults; (2) a description of the biophilia hypothesis; (3) an exploration of nature, spirituality, and meaning-making through the lens of the biophilia hypothesis; (4) biophilic design and equity regarding nature access in urban areas for underserved populations; and (5) a call for increased integration of biophilic design into architecture and urban planning.

scholarly journals Community Gardening: Stress, Well-Being, and Resilience Potentials

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (18) ◽  
pp. 6740
Author(s):  
Way Inn Koay ◽  
Denise Dillon
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Community Gardening ◽  
Home Gardening ◽  
Mental Health Benefits

The financial and health burdens of stress associated with increased urbanization have led to a demand for mental health enhancement strategies. While some extant literature details mental health benefits of community gardening, a coherent narrative on the construct of resilience and its relationship with the mental health benefits of community gardening is lacking. The present study examined the relationship between community gardening and a number of mental health benefits, in the forms of subjective well-being, stress, resilience potentials, and resilience factors (self-esteem, optimism, and openness). A total of 111 residents in Singapore completed a survey. Results from Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) and Pearson’s correlation analyses show that, after controlling for age and levels of connection to nature, community gardeners reported significantly higher levels of subjective well-being than individual/home gardeners and non-gardeners, indicating that engagement in community gardening may be superior to individual/home gardening or non-gardening outdoor activities. Community gardeners reported higher levels of resilience and optimism than the non-gardening control group. These novel results indicate some potential for mental health benefits in urban environments, specifically in terms of subjective well-being and resilience. These findings have implications for future research in clinical psychology, mental health promotion, and policy.

scholarly journals Human–Equine Tourism and Nature-Based Solutions: Exploring Psychological Well-Being Through Transformational Experiences

2020 ◽  
pp. 109634802097855
Author(s):  
Paula Danby ◽  
Dasha Grajfoner
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Interventions ◽  
Psychological Benefits ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Natural Landscapes ◽  
Transformational Experiences ◽  
Equine Assisted ◽  
Depth Interviews

This article critically explores insights into human–equine touristic experiences and acknowledges how such interconnectivity underline nature-based solutions (NBS) to mutually enhance psychological well-being. Despite the growing interest in NBS limited accounts have explored human–animal relations within the realm of touristic encounters. Drawing upon multispecies ethnographic accounts, participant observations, diaries, and in-depth interviews were held with 21 participants, with topics themed around human–equine experiences, relational encounters, and well-being. The sample was taken from participants located in the North East of England who engaged in equestrian tourism. Findings revealed life-changing transformations as a result of multispecies encounters. Deep emotional elements were experienced through intersubjectivity where participants spoke of the psychological benefits of being immersed in natural landscapes with their equine companions. This article demonstrates human–equine experiences as a positive NBS and illustrates that for the two species to effectively interact in equine-assisted psychological interventions requires mutual trust, empathy, and effective communication.

Leisure participation and satisfaction in autistic adults and neurotypical adults

Autism ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 993-1004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taylor-Leigh Stacey ◽  
Elspeth H Froude ◽  
Julian Trollor ◽  
Kitty-Rose Foley
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Leisure Satisfaction ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Satisfaction Scale ◽  
Leisure Participation ◽  
Autistic Adults

Leisure participation is important for well-being and has been attributed to improved quality of life for autistic individuals. Rigorous studies exploring the leisure participation of autistic adults are sparse. This study aimed to compare the type of leisure activity and frequency of participation between autistic adults and neurotypical adults as well as compare and identify factors associated with their leisure satisfaction. Data for 145 autistic and 104 neurotypical adults were obtained from time point one of the Australian Longitudinal Study of Adults with Autism. The primary outcome measure used was the Leisure Satisfaction Scale. Autistic adults were less satisfied with their leisure overall (mean = 3.29, standard deviation = 0.75) compared with neurotypical adults (mean = 3.69, standard deviation = 0.55). Multiple linear regression revealed being younger and reporting less depressive symptoms were significantly associated with higher leisure satisfaction in autistic but not neurotypical adults. Engagement in solitary leisure activities was comparable across participants, but socialising in person was predominated by neurotypical adults. Leisure activity preferences of autistic adults’ and the frequency of their leisure participation are important factors for clinicians to understand when working with this population and tailoring well-being interventions.

scholarly journals Play and Be Happy? Leisure Participation and Quality of Life in School-Aged Children with Cerebral Palsy

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keiko Shikako-Thomas ◽  
Noémi Dahan-Oliel ◽  
Michael Shevell ◽  
Mary Law ◽  
Rena Birnbaum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Model ◽  
Well Being ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Leisure Participation ◽  
Children With Cerebral Palsy

The objective of this study was to examine the association between leisure participation and quality of life (QoL) in school-age children with cerebral palsy (CP). Leisure participation was assessed using the Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE) and QoL using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to examine the association between CAPE and PedsQL scores, and a multiple linear regression model was used to estimate QoL predictors. Sixty-three children (mean age9.7±2.1years; 39 male) in GMFCS levels I–V were included. Intensity of participation in active-physical activities was significantly correlated with both physical (r=0.34,P=0.007) and psychosocial well-being (r=0.31,P=0.01). Intensity and diversity of participation in skill-based activities were negatively correlated with physical well-being (r=−0.39,P=0.001, andr=−0.41,P=0.001, resp.). Diversity and intensity of participation accounted for 32% (P=0.002) of the variance for physical well-being and 48% (P<0.001) when age and gross motor functioning were added. Meaningful and adapted leisure activities appropriate to the child’s skills and preferences may foster QoL.

scholarly journals The Mental Health Benefits of Purposeful Activities in Public Green Spaces in Urban and Semi-Urban Neighbourhoods: A Mixed-Methods Pilot and Proof of Concept Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (15) ◽  
pp. 2712 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter A. Coventry ◽  
Chris Neale ◽  
Alison Dyke ◽  
Rachel Pateman ◽  
Steve Cinderby
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Citizen Science ◽  
Green Space ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Mental Health Benefits ◽  
Public Green Space

Access and exposure to public green space might be critical to health promotion and prevention of mental ill health. However, it is uncertain if differential health and mental health benefits are associated with undertaking different activities in public green space. We evaluated the health and wellbeing benefits of different activities in different locations of public green spaces in urban and semi-urban areas. We used a mixed-methods before-and-after design. Volunteers at three conservation sites were recruited and took part in group guided walks, practical conservation tasks or citizen science. Repeated measures one-way ANOVAs with Bonferroni correction assessed the relationship between location and activity type on change in acute subjective mood from pre- to post-activity, measured with the UWIST Mood Adjective Checklist (UWIST-MACL). Qualitative semi-structured interviews were undertaken and analysed thematically to explore participants’ perceptions about the health and wellbeing benefits of activities in public green space. Forty-five participants were recruited, leading to 65 independent observations. Walking, conservation and citizen science in public green space were associated with improved mood. Across all participants acute subjective mood improved across all domains of the UWIST-MACL. There was a significant association between reduction in stress and location (p = 0.009). Qualitatively participants reported that conservation and citizen science conferred co-benefits to the environment and individual health and well-being and were perceived as purposeful. Undertaking purposeful activity in public green space has the potential to promote health and prevent mental ill health.

scholarly journals An Update of the Literature Supporting the Well-Being Benefits of Plants: A Review of the Emotional and Mental Health Benefits of Plants

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Hall ◽  
Melinda Knuth
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Visual Response ◽  
Memory Retention ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Mental Health Benefits

Abstract Consumers have historically shown an inclination to purchase plants that enhance their quality of life, meaning they will purchase items that positively influence their social, physical, psychological, cognitive, environmental, and spiritual well-being. Plants in native and improved landscapes (and interiorscapes) have been documented to influence each of six quality of life constructs. This paper summarizes publications regarding the emotional and mental health benefits associated with plants, addressing reduced anxiety and stress, attention deficit recovery, fractals and visual response, decreased depression, enhanced memory retention, greater happiness and life satisfaction, mitigation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), increased creativity, enhanced productivity and attention, reduced effects of dementia, and improved self-esteem. This research should be strategically incorporated into both industry-wide and firm-specific marketing messages that highlight the quality of life value proposition in order to maintain the industry's sense of value and relevance to consumers of the future. Index words: benefits of plants, emotional health, mental health.

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