Can nature photography improve mental health and wellbeing and counter the detrimental effects of technology misuse and the reduction of greenspace?

Loynes, C. A. (2022) Can nature photography improve mental health and wellbeing and counter the detrimental effects of technology misuse and the reduction of greenspace? Undergraduate theses, University of Chichester.

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Abstract

The following study aims to explore how factors in the modern world, such as advances in technology and decreased access to green spaces is negatively affecting the mental health of the population; and whether therapeutic photography can be implemented to contribute towards countering these negative effects. Aiming to entice people back into nature and giving them a unique method of communication and self-understanding and developing strategies for implementing therapeutic photography for those suffering with mental illness. Expanding on previous works and developing on potential future use cases, that could not only be used in a therapeutic context but also as a tool for individuals to improve and build an understanding of their personal mental and emotional state. The study implements a questionnaire aimed at gathering the perspectives from a broad demographic on these rising concerns and opinion on photography in a therapeutic context. This research was followed up by an in-depth personal group interview aimed at discovering the groups perspective, after they took part in a therapeutic photography introduction and activity. The results showed that there is extremely high interaction with technology, that many people recognise has negative effects on their wellbeing, this coupled with the diminishing green spaces negatively contribute to the populations mental health. The study found clear benefits of photography in a therapeutic context, examples of which are: a means of nonverbal communication, a tool to focus the mind and reground the individual in the here and now, and as a form of visual journal. All of which are supported by the findings of the research, from the questionnaire and opinions collected in the group interview after the practical session. Overall, the study found that there is need for a new and unique means of communication and understanding of mental health that is easily accessible to all. Therapeutic photography could be a step towards a happier healthier population.

Publication Type: Theses (Undergraduate)
Additional Information: BA (Hons) Outdoor and Adventure Education
Uncontrolled Keywords: Adventure Education,
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV557 Sports
Divisions: Academic Areas > Institute of Sport
Student Research > Undergraduate
Depositing User: Michelle Farndell
Date Deposited: 12 Sep 2022 10:56
Last Modified: 12 Sep 2022 10:56
URI: https://eprints.chi.ac.uk/id/eprint/6472

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