Journal article 1269 views 161 downloads
Using engagement in sustainable construction to improve mental health and social connection in disadvantaged and hard to reach groups: a new green care approach
,
Mark McKenna,
Jon Bayley,
Kate Denner,
Hayley Young
Journal of Mental Health, Volume: 29, Issue: 3, Pages: 350 - 357
Swansea University Authors:
Jason Davies , Hayley Young
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DOI (Published version): 10.1080/09638237.2020.1714001
Abstract
BackgroundThe positive impact of the outdoors on physical and mental health is increasingly being evidenced. However the impact on vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals engaging in group based sustainable building construction has not been examined.AimsTo provide the first pragmatic examination o...
| Published in: | Journal of Mental Health |
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| ISSN: | 0963-8237 1360-0567 |
| Published: |
Informa UK Limited
2020
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| Online Access: |
Check full text
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa52546 |
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| Abstract: |
BackgroundThe positive impact of the outdoors on physical and mental health is increasingly being evidenced. However the impact on vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals engaging in group based sustainable building construction has not been examined.AimsTo provide the first pragmatic examination of the impact of engaging in a brief (eight days over eight weeks) outdoor sustainable construction project on the mental health and social connectedness of hard to reach and disadvantaged groups. MethodIn study 1, 93 young people not in education, employment or training took part whilst study 2 comprised 55 adults who were asylum seekers, long term unemployed or men with longstanding depression. Self report data were collected at baseline and towards the end of the programme.Results Those with poor mental health and social connection at baseline showed statistically and clinically significant improvements in depression, anxiety, resilience and social connection by the end of the brief intervention.ConclusionsEngagement in a group based sustainable construction project can provide significant mental health and social benefits to a range of vulnerable and hard to reach groups with difficulties in these areas. Building on these findings could be important for health and social care policy for marginalised groups. |
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| Keywords: |
sustainable construction; mental health; social connection; vulnerable groups; green care; wellbeing |
| College: |
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences |
| Issue: |
3 |
| Start Page: |
350 |
| End Page: |
357 |