scholarly journals Rethinking conceptual frameworks and models of health and natural environments

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 158-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roderick John Lawrence ◽  
Julien Forbat ◽  
Joris Zufferey
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Human Activities ◽  
Conceptual Models ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
Outdoor Environment ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Conceptual Frameworks ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Human Contact

This article considers conceptual frameworks and models applied in research about the multiple relations between human contact with natural environments (specifically green public spaces), diverse kinds of human activities and uses of those spaces, and effects on physical and mental health. Conceptual frameworks are tools for thinking about such complex subjects. Conceptual models represent the multiple relations between key factors and variables. These models can be used to represent the mutual interactions between the core components of environmental conditions of specific green public spaces, the main kinds of human activities in those settings, and various impacts on health. A literature search showed that the authors of various conceptual models used a metaphor of pathways to represent relations between explanatory variables by linear cause–effect relations. Mutual interaction between key variables and feedback loops between different components of the model are rarely included. Hence, it is argued that these models do not represent the complexity of real world situations. The authors propose a systemic conceptual framework founded on core principles of human ecology. The proposed conceptual framework and model have been formulated during and after an EU 7th Framework project about the ‘‘Positive Health Effects of the Natural Outdoor Environment in Typical Populations in Different Regions of Europe.”

Corporate Reorganization Law and Forces of Change

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Paterson
Keyword(s):  
Financial Crisis ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Conceptual Frameworks ◽  
Corporate Reorganization ◽  
Process Of Change ◽  
The Past ◽  
To Come ◽  
The Way

This book is concerned with the way in which forces of change, from the fields of finance and non-financial corporates, cause participants in the corporate reorganization process to adapt the ways in which they mobilize corporate reorganization law. It argues that scholars, practitioners, judges, and the legislature must all take care to connect their conceptual frameworks to the specific adaptations which emerge from this process of change. It further argues that this need to connect theoretical and policy concepts with practical adaptations has posed particular challenges when US corporate reorganization law has been under examination in the decade since the financial crisis. At the same time, the book suggests that English scholars, practitioners, judges, and the legislature have been more successful, over the course of the past ten years, in choosing concepts to frame their analysis which are sensitive to the ways in which corporate reorganization law is currently used. Nonetheless, it suggests that new problems may be on the horizon for English corporate reorganization lawyers in adapting their conceptual framework in the decades to come.

scholarly journals Physical Inactivity in Older Adult Couples: A Dyadic Analysis Using Continuous In-Home Monitoring

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 412-412
Author(s):  
Chao-Yi Wu ◽  
Lyndsey Miller ◽  
Rachel Wall ◽  
Zachary Beattie ◽  
Jeffrey Kaye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Home Monitoring ◽  
Health Determinants ◽  
Dyadic Analysis ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Aging Research

Abstract Many older adults remain inactive despite the known positive health implications of physical activity (e.g. improved mood, reduced mortality risk). Physical inactivity is a known interdependent phenomenon in couples, but the majority of research identifies determinants of physical inactivity at the individual level. We estimated the average amount of physical inactivity for older adult couples and, using dyadic analysis, identified physical and mental health determinants thereof. Forty-eight heterosexual older adult couples (mean age=70.6, SD=6.63) from the Veterans Integrated Service Network 20 cohort of the Collaborative Aging Research using Technology (CART) initiative were included in this study. Both dyad members wore actigraph devices for a month. The average number per day of inactive periods (defined as no movement or sleep activity for ≥ 30 minutes) was estimated. Multilevel modeling revealed that, within couples, there was no difference between partners in the average number of inactive periods, but on average across couples, males had more inactive periods per day (13.4, SD=4.43) than females (12.3, SD=4.87). For males, older age was the only variable associated with more inactive periods (β=0.13, p=.013). For females, more depressive symptoms in men were associated with fewer inactive periods (β=-0.37, p=.002), and more dependence in completing their own IADLs predicted more inactive periods (β=2.80, p<.001). All models were adjusted for covariates. Viewing couples’ activity as a unit, rather than as separate individuals, provides a novel approach to identifying pathways to reduce inactivity in older adults, especially when focusing on mental health issues and decreased independence within the couple.

scholarly journals Biodiversity and Health in the Urban Environment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa R. Marselle ◽  
Sarah J. Lindley ◽  
Penny A. Cook ◽  
Aletta Bonn
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Urban Policy ◽  
Policy Research ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Causal Pathways ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Purpose of review Biodiversity underpins urban ecosystem functions that are essential for human health and well-being. Understanding how biodiversity relates to human health is a developing frontier for science, policy and practice. This article describes the beneficial, as well as harmful, aspects of biodiversity to human health in urban environments. Recent findings Recent research shows that contact with biodiversity of natural environments within towns and cities can be both positive and negative to human physical, mental and social health and well-being. For example, while viruses or pollen can be seriously harmful to human health, biodiverse ecosystems can promote positive health and well-being. On balance, these influences are positive. As biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate, research suggests that its loss could threaten the quality of life of all humans. Summary A key research gap is to understand—and evidence—the specific causal pathways through which biodiversity affects human health. A mechanistic understanding of pathways linking biodiversity to human health can facilitate the application of nature-based solutions in public health and influence policy. Research integration as well as cross-sector urban policy and planning development should harness opportunities to better identify linkages between biodiversity, climate and human health. Given its importance for human health, urban biodiversity conservation should be considered as public health investment.

scholarly journals Design public spaces to enable all 0-5 year children flourish

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Rubczak ◽  
Keyword(s):  
City Planning ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Numerous Investigation ◽  
Healthy Development ◽  
The Public ◽  
University Of Technology ◽  
New Public ◽  
Research Questions

The Public Spaces of Tomorrow are places that enable young children 0-5 to flourish. Contemporary places support healthy child development. The early years are the foundation for lifelong physical and mental health, wellbeing, and social skills. Designing, planning, and building new public spaces for our babies and toddlers should take into consideration the wellbeing of their caregivers. Engage parents, grandparents, siblings, or pregnant women in the design process provides for the ability to create new types of public spaces. Knowledge of how to do it for wellbeing in specific circumstances, places, social or natural environment is the purpose of the work (for ex. the Covid-19 pandemic is still unfolding but the principle of healthy development or caregiver isn`t changing). Responsibility of local authorities, urban planners, architects, park managers, all people engaged in city planning and functioning, have their role to play. During the collaborative workshop Mentor and Student Research Lab 3 in Poland (Gdańsk University of Technology) numerous investigation and methods were tried to answer research questions on how to resolve problems of designing public spaces of tomorrow.

scholarly journals The Matter at Hand: A Practice-Theoretical Model of Digital Gaming

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-26
Author(s):  
Milan Jaćević
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Model ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
General Model ◽  
Practice Theory ◽  
Pierre Bourdieu ◽  
Digital Game ◽  
Conceptual Frameworks ◽  
Digital Gaming ◽  
Human Practice

Investigations into the nature of the activity of gaming have been made difficult by virtue of the plurality of possible forms this activity may take. In this paper, I address this problem by examining (digital) gaming under the heading of practice theory, in an attempt to shed more light on the practical aspects of ludic literacy. Building on the theoretical and conceptual frameworks of Pierre Bourdieu, I present a general model of digital gaming as a form of situated human practice, followed by details of a case study, conducted in order to test and adjust the initial version of the model. Though further research with a greater population of players is needed in order to expand the scope of the model, the findings of the study lend credence to its validity as a conceptual framework for delineating and framing different practices generated by digital game artefacts.

The Moral Dimension

1995 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 324-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeff Sugarman ◽  
Jack Martin
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Study ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Focus Attention ◽  
Conceptual Frameworks ◽  
Moral Dimension ◽  
Psychotherapeutic Practice ◽  
Moral Dimensions ◽  
Empirical Illustration ◽  
Counseling Psychologists

The authors argue that counseling psychologists will benefit from the development of conceptual frameworks that focus attention and consideration on the moral dimensions of psychotherapeutic practice. The authors present such a conceptualization with respect to actual psychotherapeutic conversations, and they provide an empirical illustration of how this conceptual framework illuminates the moral dimension of such conversations. The authors also briefly explore possibilities for further conceptual and empirical study of moral aspects of counseling and psychotherapy.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Nature-Based Mindfulness: Effects of Moving Mindfulness Training into an Outdoor Natural Setting

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (17) ◽  
pp. 3202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Djernis ◽  
Lerstrup ◽  
Poulsen ◽  
Stigsdotter ◽  
Dahlgaard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mindfulness Training ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Natural Setting ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
Mindfulness Interventions ◽  
Meta Analyses

Research has proven that both mindfulness training and exposure to nature have positive health effects. The purpose of this study was to systematically review quantitative studies of mindfulness interventions conducted in nature (nature-based mindfulness), and to analyze the effects through meta-analyses. Electronic searches revealed a total of 25 studies to be included, examining 2990 participants. Three analyses were conducted: Nature-based mindfulness interventions evaluated as open trials (k = 13), nature-based mindfulness compared with groups in non-active control conditions (k = 5), and nature-based mindfulness compared with similar interventions but without contact with nature (k = 7). The overall combined psychological, physiological, and interpersonal effects from pre- to post-intervention were statistically significant and of medium size (g = 0.54, p < 0.001). Moderation analyses showed that natural environments characterized as forests/wild nature obtained larger numerical effects than environments characterized as gardens/parks, as did informal mindfulness compared with formal mindfulness. The small number of studies included, as well as the heterogeneity and generally low quality of the studies, must be taken into consideration when the results are interpreted. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42017065639.

Positive Health Effects Of The Natural Outdoor Environment (Phenotype); New Approaches In Green Space Assessment

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 (1) ◽  
pp. 1662
Author(s):  
Mark J Nieuwenhuijsen ◽  
Graham Smith ◽  
Marta Cirach ◽  
Chris Gidlow ◽  
Hanneke Kruize ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Effects ◽  
Green Space ◽  
Outdoor Environment ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
New Approaches

“In Sickness and in Health”

2003 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 811-838 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zheng Wu ◽  
Margaret J. Penning ◽  
Michael S. Pollard ◽  
Randy Hart
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Never Married ◽  
Self Selection ◽  
Health Differences ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Relevant Factors

Using data from the 1994-95 (Canadian) National Population Health Survey (6,494 women, 5,368 men), we investigated the impact of cohabitation on a range of physical and mental health indicators, controlling for self-selection into cohabitation and other relevant factors. Uncontrolled results indicate that the physical and mental health of cohabitors tends to fall between that of the married and the divorced/separated, widowed, and single/never married. However, when other factors are controlled, health differences between cohabitors and the currently married become nonsignificant. Self-selection, into cohabitation and into marriage, initially appears to play a significant role in accounting for variations in health, but with controls added to the models, selection mostly becomes nonsignificant. We concluded that self-selection at most may explain a small proportion of the variation in health but that protection effects are more likely to explain the positive health advantages of marriage and cohabitation.

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