scholarly journals Application of Positive Design Principles Towards Improvement of Human Mental Health

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 123
Author(s):  
Elena Biljanoska-Nakjeva
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Urban Design ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Design Principles ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Target Group ◽  
Main Element ◽  
Modular Systems ◽  
Master Thesis ◽  
General Improvement

In this master thesis, a research process for obtaining a creative solution which will contribute to solving problems created by the "urban jungle" we live in, and will help for the general improvement of people's mental health is presented. This goal is achieved by a detailed interdisciplinary research and application of modern methods and principles in the field of industrial design. The research allowed a better view of the problem-lack of adequate spaces in the city for productive time spending and increasing positive moods-that needs to be solved, and better defining of the main needs and desires of the target group from which the concepts and ideas emerged. Generally, this research, besides the theoretical analysis of the subject positive design, contains ethnographic research methods like observation of the target group, collecting photo materials, analysis of different situations, informative polls, analysis and systematization of data. In addition, the research is complemented in the field of urban design from aspect of analysis of the urban design principles, design for good mental health, existing ideas of urban solutions around the world and in Macedonia, and also, application of modular systems, ergonomics and inspiration from nature for eco design in urbanism. As a result of all the research done in this master thesis, an innovative, urban pavilion was designed. Pavilion which would achieve the goal-stress reduction and alleviating the everyday life of residents of modern cities. Also, the need for increasing awareness about the significance of positive design in the modern lifestyle was promoted, since design is the main element in all our surroundings that allows possibilities for deep influence in the way we think and feel which means that it can be used as a tool to improve the general wellbeing and society advancement.

scholarly journals Stress reduction by Phochong chanting indexed by Thai Stress Test

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 19-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jidapa Kerdsurivong ◽  
Jarasphol Rintra ◽  
Karnt Wongsuphasawat ◽  
Phakkharawat Sittiprapaporn
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Stress Test ◽  
Target Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mild Stress ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Buddha ◽  
Discriminant Power ◽  
Level Reduction

 Background: Stress is traditionally defined as either a bodily or mental tension resulting from factors that tend to alter an existent equilibrium or the process of appraising events of assessing potential responses, and of responses which may include not just physiological but also cognitive and behavioural changes. Aims and Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the stress reduction after listening to Phochong chanting. Materials and Methods: Forty participants were participated in this study. They were divided into two groups; the control group who saw a spot on computer screen while listening to Phochong chanting for 10 minutes, and the target group who saw the Buddha image while listening to Phochong chanting for 10 minutes. The Thai Stress Test was used as a tool to examine the stress reduction. Frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were used for descriptive data analysis. Paired sample t-test was also used to compare between before and after listening to Phochong chanting. Results: The percentage of participants in the target group who felt ‘excellent mental health’ was 20.0% and only 10% for the control one. The 55.0% in the target group felt ‘normal mental health’ while 45.0% was for the control one. About 25.0% of the target group felt ‘mild stress’ while 45.0% was in the control one. However, no participant showed ‘sever stress (stressful)’ in this study. The Thai Stress Test has adequate reliability, adequate construct validity, and sufficient discriminant power. Conclusion: By listening to Phochong chanting would help the stress level reduction.

scholarly journals The Architectural Manipulation of Sound: Architecturally Articulating Urban Space to Protect and Enhance the Outdoor Acoustic Environment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Andrew Rieper
Keyword(s):  
Urban Design ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Urban Space ◽  
Open Space ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Design Principles ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Acoustic Environment ◽  
Sound Environment ◽  
The Aesthetic

<p>To date, ‘Urban Design’ has seldom accounted for the quality of the acoustic environment. The significance of sound in the urban environment is understated. This is evident in design attitudes towards Urban Acoustics, which are essentially objective; based on ‘Noise Control Methodologies’, limited by quantitative values and void of sonic variety. The aim of this thesis is firstly, to determine whether an acoustic agenda could be successfully introduced into the urban design process, and secondly, to assess the aesthetic impact of imposing such an agenda on the built environment. To explore these ideas, the thesis combined research from three fields; Urban Design (‘Public Places, Urban Spaces’ by Carmona et al.), Urban Acoustics (‘Urban Sound Environment’ by Jian Kang), and Soundscape Philosophy (founded by R. Murray Schafer). A series of experiments were then conducted using noise propagation software ‘CadnaA’, which studied the acoustic performances of different Street and Open Space Layouts. Conclusions drawn from these experiments and the analysed literature provided the framework for an Urban Design Proposal located in central Wellington, which was used as a means to assess the viability of this design approach. The results of the design-research process suggest that an acoustic agenda can be integrated into the urban design process with relative ease and little conflict, and that many of the Soundscape philosophies inherent in Urban Acoustic Design actually complement well-established Urban Design Principles. Additionally, while this approach is most effective in acoustically challenging areas, the intrinsic design principles can be adopted to enhance both the acoustic and visual aesthetic of any urban design.</p>

scholarly journals The Architectural Manipulation of Sound: Architecturally Articulating Urban Space to Protect and Enhance the Outdoor Acoustic Environment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Andrew Rieper
Keyword(s):  
Urban Design ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Urban Space ◽  
Open Space ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Design Principles ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Acoustic Environment ◽  
Sound Environment ◽  
The Aesthetic

<p>To date, ‘Urban Design’ has seldom accounted for the quality of the acoustic environment. The significance of sound in the urban environment is understated. This is evident in design attitudes towards Urban Acoustics, which are essentially objective; based on ‘Noise Control Methodologies’, limited by quantitative values and void of sonic variety. The aim of this thesis is firstly, to determine whether an acoustic agenda could be successfully introduced into the urban design process, and secondly, to assess the aesthetic impact of imposing such an agenda on the built environment. To explore these ideas, the thesis combined research from three fields; Urban Design (‘Public Places, Urban Spaces’ by Carmona et al.), Urban Acoustics (‘Urban Sound Environment’ by Jian Kang), and Soundscape Philosophy (founded by R. Murray Schafer). A series of experiments were then conducted using noise propagation software ‘CadnaA’, which studied the acoustic performances of different Street and Open Space Layouts. Conclusions drawn from these experiments and the analysed literature provided the framework for an Urban Design Proposal located in central Wellington, which was used as a means to assess the viability of this design approach. The results of the design-research process suggest that an acoustic agenda can be integrated into the urban design process with relative ease and little conflict, and that many of the Soundscape philosophies inherent in Urban Acoustic Design actually complement well-established Urban Design Principles. Additionally, while this approach is most effective in acoustically challenging areas, the intrinsic design principles can be adopted to enhance both the acoustic and visual aesthetic of any urban design.</p>

scholarly journals The Hierarchy of Walking Needs and the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7461
Author(s):  
Mohammad Paydar ◽  
Asal Kamani Fard
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Urban Design ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
The World ◽  
The Face ◽  
Current Context ◽  
Mode Of Transport ◽  
Different Levels

More than 150 cities around the world have expanded emergency cycling and walking infrastructure to increase their resilience in the face of the COVID 19 pandemic. This tendency toward walking has led it to becoming the predominant daily mode of transport that also contributes to significant changes in the relationships between the hierarchy of walking needs and walking behaviour. These changes need to be addressed in order to increase the resilience of walking environments in the face of such a pandemic. This study was designed as a theoretical and empirical literature review seeking to improve the walking behaviour in relation to the hierarchy of walking needs within the current context of COVID-19. Accordingly, the interrelationship between the main aspects relating to walking-in the context of the pandemic- and the different levels in the hierarchy of walking needs were discussed. Results are presented in five sections of “density, crowding and stress during walking”, “sense of comfort/discomfort and stress in regard to crowded spaces during walking experiences”, “crowded spaces as insecure public spaces and the contribution of the type of urban configuration”, “role of motivational/restorative factors during walking trips to reduce the overload of stress and improve mental health”, and “urban design interventions on arrangement of visual sequences during walking”.

scholarly journals Freely Available Virtual Reality Experiences as Tools to Support Mental Health Therapy: a Systematic Scoping Review and Consensus Based Interdisciplinary Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Best ◽  
Matilde Meireles ◽  
Franziska Schroeder ◽  
Lorna Montgomery ◽  
Alan Maddock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Health Practitioner ◽  
Case Formulation ◽  
Therapeutic Value

AbstractThe primary purpose of this article is to review the potential therapeutic value of freely available VR content as an addition to the practitioners ‘toolkit’. Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) may be useful to extend existing guided imagery-based practices found in traditional mental health therapy. However, the use of VR technology within routine mental health practice remains low, despite recent reductions in equipment costs. A systematic scoping review and interdisciplinary analysis of freely available VR experiences was performed across two popular online databases (SteamVR and Oculus.com). A total of 1785 experiences were retrieved and screened for relevance with 46 meeting the inclusion criteria. VR content was then reviewed for potential therapeutic value by an interdisciplinary panel with experience across a number of therapeutic interventions including cognitive behavioural therapy, Rogerian counselling, mindfulness-based therapies. and family therapy. Eleven (22%) of the 50 freely available VR experiences were reported to have therapeutic potential as tools to support routine mental health therapy. These included support with the following mental health issues—low mood, social anxiety, stress reduction and fear of heights. Guidance of a qualified mental health practitioner was recommended in all cases to maximise the benefit of the VR experiences retrieved. While the quality is variable, freely available VR experiences may contain valuable content that could support mental health therapy. This includes as a homework activity or as an initial setting for case formulation and behavioural experiments.

Valuing the voice of lived experience of eating disorders in the research process: Benefits and considerations

2021 ◽  
pp. 000486742199879
Author(s):  
Selma Musić ◽  
Rosiel Elwyn ◽  
Grace Fountas ◽  
Inge Gnatt ◽  
Zoe M Jenkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Direct Involvement ◽  
The Voice ◽  
Process Benefits

Although the inclusion of individuals with lived experience is encouraged within the research process, there remains inconsistent direct involvement in many mental health fields. Within the eating disorders field specifically, there is a very strong and increasing presence of lived experience advocacy. However, due to a number of potential challenges, research undertaken in consultation or in collaboration with individuals with lived experience of an eating disorder is scarce. This paper describes the significant benefits of the inclusion of individuals with lived experience in research. The specific challenges and barriers faced in eating disorders research are also outlined. It is concluded that in addition to existing guidelines on working with lived experience collaborators in mental health research, more specific procedures are required when working with those with eating disorders.

scholarly journals Going virtual: youth attitudes toward and experiences of virtual mental health and substance use services during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa D. Hawke ◽  
Natasha Y. Sheikhan ◽  
Karen MacCon ◽  
Joanna Henderson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Youth Mental Health ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Substance Use Services ◽  
Youth Attitudes ◽  
Virtual Services

Abstract Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, youth mental health and substance use services rapidly moved to virtual modalities to meet social distancing requirements. It is important to understand youth attitudes toward and experience of virtual services. Objective This study examined the attitudes toward and experiences of virtual mental health and substance use services among youth drawn from clinical and non-clinical samples. Method Four hundred nine youth completed a survey including questions about their attitudes toward and experience of virtual services. The survey included quantitative and open-ended questions on virtual care, as well as a mental health and substance use screener. Results The majority of youth with mental health or substance use challenges would be willing to consider individual virtual services, but fewer would consider group virtual services. However, many have not received virtual services. Youth are interested in accessing a wide variety of virtual services and other supportive wellness services. Advantages and disadvantages of virtual services are discussed, including accessibility benefits and technological barriers. Discussion As youth mental health and substance use services have rapidly gone virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential that we hear the perspectives of youth to promote service utilization among those in need. Diverse, accessible, technologically stable virtual services are required to meet the needs of different youth, possibly with in-person options for some youth. Future research, engaging youth in the research process, is needed to evaluate the efficacy of virtual services to plan for the sustainability of some virtual service gains beyond the pandemic period.

scholarly journals The Effects of Different Natural Environment Influences on Health and Psychological Well-Being of People: A Case Study in Selangor

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 8597
Author(s):  
Thivya Laxshmy Raman ◽  
Nor Akmar Abdul Aziz ◽  
Sam Shor Nahar Yaakob
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Urban Forest ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Restorative Environments ◽  
Urban Green ◽  
Recreational Services ◽  
Forested Areas ◽  
Green Corridor

Background: People benefit from the recreational services provided by an urban corridor, urban park, and urban forest. Due to ongoing land-use interest and urban development, however, these natural environments are coming under increasing pressure. Simultaneously, the world is becoming increasingly urbanised, and living in cities has been linked to mental health issues. On the other hand, different natural environments are known to create healthier environments, and the need for effective restorative environments has never been greater. The purpose of the study was to compare the impacts of walking in different natural environments. Methods: I) Kota Damansara Community Forest Reserve, II) Mutiara Damansara Recreational Park, and III) the Urban Green Corridor along Jalan PJU 7/7 were used as control study sites in this study. Each site was visited only once by the study participants (40 women and 40 men). Walking for 30 min was a part of the experiment. To identify the psychological effects of different natural environments, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS21), Profile of Mood States (POMS), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), and Restoration Outcome Scale (ROS) were utilised. Results: In all three natural environments, the restorative effects were found to increase significantly. Conclusion: The overall conclusion of the field experiment is that being in an urban green corridor can also provide a refreshing environment. In terms of stress reduction among working adults, the recreational park is sufficient, while urban-forested areas are more effective in improving mental health by minimising stress, anxiety, and depression.

Lifestyle Modification Improves Physical and Mental Health in Elderly Participants: Observational Study in a Controlled Environment

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Gary Null ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Lifestyle Modification ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Physical Endurance ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Reduction Techniques ◽  
Daily Exercise ◽  
Preventative Strategy

A 60-day observational study was conducted to evaluate how lifestyle modification principles relying upon a customized regimen of aerobic and muscle strength exercise, a plant-based diet and meditative stress reduction techniques may improve physical endurance and strength, mental health, and reverse normal aging associated with the average American lifestyle. All enrolled participants were generally in good health respective to their age. Several subjects had overlapping mild medical conditions. The results demonstrate that the intervention of a customized lifestyle modification regimen of regular daily exercise, a plant-based diet, and daily stress reduction practices, such as meditation and yoga, may provide a viable and beneficial preventative strategy as an anti-aging and wellness model to increase the physical and mental health of elderly men and women.

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