Medically Speaking

STUDY FINDS APPRECIATING NATURE MAY HAVE POSITIVE IMPACT ON WELL-BEING

New research led by Swansea University says appreciating nature can have a positive impact on our well-being.

The ability to connect and feel a sense of belonging are basic human needs but new research has examined how these are determined by more than just our personal relationships. Psychologist Professor Andrew Kemp, of the College of Human and Health Sciences, worked with PhD student Jess Mead and consultant clinical psychologist Dr Zoe Fisher, of the University’s Health and Wellbeing Academy, on the study which presents a transdisciplinary framework to help understand and improve wellbeing.

Professor Kemp said: “We define wellbeing as a positive psychological experience, promoted by connections to self, community and environment, supported by healthy vagal function, all of which are impacted by socio-contextual factors that lie beyond the control of the individual.”

The researchers say their latest findings, which have just been published in Frontiers in Psychology, are particularly topical as society looks to recover and learn from COVID-19.

He said: “Our framework has already contributed to a better understanding of how to protect wellbeing during the pandemic and has led to the development of an innovative wellbeing science intervention, targeting university students and people living with acquired brain injury.”

Professor Kemp added: “We feel our invited paper is timely as it not only aligns with a post-pandemic future that requires societal transformation, but it also picks up on global efforts to promote planetary wellbeing.”

“Globalisation, urbanisation and technological advancements have meant that humans have become increasingly disconnected from nature. This continues despite research showing that contact with nature improves wellbeing.”

The research reveals the advantages to health and wellbeing derived from connecting to oneself, others and nature and emphasises a need for focused efforts to tackle major societal issues that affect our capacity for connection.”

He added: “The poorest are disproportionally impacted by major societal challenges including the increasing burden of chronic disease, societal loneliness and anthropogenic climate change.”

“Economic inequality has adverse impacts on the entire population, not just the poor, so improving economic inequality is fundamental to improving population wellbeing.”

Correspondent

Recent Posts

Morocco to Kill 3 Million Dogs ahead FIFA 2030

Morocco's reported plan to cull stray dogs ahead of the FIFA 2030 World Cup has…

2 minutes ago

Engineer Creates AI Gun With ChatGPT: Voice-Controlled Sentry Rifle Targets Colored Objects | WATCH

An engineer has created a ChatGPT-powered sentry rifle that uses voice commands to fire at…

10 minutes ago

Mumbai Selectors to Discuss Rohit Sharma’s Ranji Trophy Availability Amid Ongoing Uncertainty

MCA to approach Rohit Sharma over his availability for Ranji Trophy as the Indian skipper…

15 minutes ago

Saif Ali Khan Attacked: Actor Hospitalised After Knife Assault at Home

Actor Saif Ali Khan, stabbed by an intruder at home, is undergoing treatment in Mumbai.…

56 minutes ago

What Does The 3-Phase Agreement Of The Gaza Deal Include?

The landmark 3-phase Gaza deal brings hope for peace, featuring a ceasefire, hostage exchanges, and…

1 hour ago

This Part Of The Dead Person’s Body Aghoris Like To Eat The Most, Why Do They Eat It?

Aghori sadhus follow mysterious and shocking rituals, including consuming remains from cremation grounds. Their unique…

2 hours ago