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Topical Collection: Nature, Mindfulness and Social Isolation in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2021) | Viewed by 35322

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Margaret Mary Hansen

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Guest Editor

School of Nursing and Health Professions, University of San Francisco, 2130 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA 94901, USA
Interests: shinrin-yoku; ecopsychology; nature based therapy; nature and health; integrative healthcare (mind, body, spirit); mindfulness; informatics

Ms. Reo Jones

E-Mail Website
Assistant Guest Editor

School of Nursing, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
Interests: shinrin yoku; nature rx; nature-based healing; public health; community health; biodiversity; microbiome

Prof. Dr. Sara L. Warber

E-Mail Website
Assistant Guest Editor

Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Interests: nature-based interventions; forest therapy; human health and wellbeing; effects of integrative therapies; complex interventions; holistic retreats in natural settings; fostering the role of expressive arts in development of personal, interpersonal, and planetary health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The current global pandemic, COVID-19, continues to have profound effects on our daily lives. At the time of this writing, over 55 million people have been infected globally. The human race has been attempting to socially and physically isolate to reduce viral transmission and save lives. Large-scale human isolation, and the inevitable lack of human contact and touch, has profound psychological, physiological, and spiritual implications. To find solace and protection from the rapid transmission of the virus indoors with others, people are flocking to nature. Nature spaces, green and blue, are needed now more than ever to provide antidotes for human anxiety, fear of the unknown, loneliness, decreased immunity, and other health issues. Another option, uptake of mindfulness practices, is known for its multitude of benefits: increased immunity, connection with self, decreased anxiety and depression, and increased well-being.

During these uncertain and stress-filled times, we make an urgent call for contributions to this Special Issue in an effort to assist practitioners and researchers in learning ways to help people flourish while living with isolation during the pandemic. Articles of interest may:

Illustrate how nature-based and/or mindfulness practices alleviate or mitigate social isolation (e.g., social distancing, quarantine, self-isolation, and shelter-in-place) side effects;
Demonstrate a variety of research methods (e.g., meta-analyses, state-of-the-art reviews, randomized controlled trials, longitudinal studies, case reports or case series, qualitative and mixed methods studies);
Highlight innovative technologies (e.g., Internet-based videos, cell-phone applications, music, and artistic contributions);
Apply these approaches, methods, or technologies in important subpopulations, such as the elderly, homebound, deprived and vulnerable communities, adults, adolescents, or children.

Researchers and practitioners interested in these topics are invited to submit manuscripts to this Special Issue on providing nature and/or mindfulness solutions for the human isolation, loneliness, and lack of human contact or touch occurring in times of pandemic.

Dr. Margaret Mary Hansen
Ms. Reo Jones
Prof. Dr. Sara L. Warber
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Shinrin-yoku
Nature-based therapy
Ecotherapy
Ecopsychology
Nature and forest therapy training
Nature contact
Greenspace exposure
Nature/park/outdoor prescription
Human isolation
Mindfulness meditation
Risk factors of human isolation
Immunity
Loneliness
Experiences and perceptions (patients, caregivers, and practitioners)
Epidemiology
Stress-related illnesses
Human touch
Therapeutic virtual sound and nature landscapes

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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26 pages, 1105 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Isolation in Older Adults: A Qualitative Study on the Social Dimensions of Group Outdoor Health Walks

by Katherine N. Irvine, Daniel Fisher, Melissa R. Marselle, Margaret Currie, Kathryn Colley and Sara L. Warber

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5353; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095353 - 28 Apr 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4078

Abstract

Physical distancing practices during the COVID-19 global pandemic contributed to a high degree of social isolation among older adults. To reduce loneliness and other ill effects of social isolation, public health experts recommended outdoor social gathering, with physical distancing. Adopting a case study approach, we explored how social aspects of group outdoor health walks (GOHWs) mitigate social isolation for older adults and improve individual social wellbeing. We used semi-structured interviews to understand the experiences of social isolation and social relationships in nine older (50–80 s) adults participating in a GOHW in Scotland, United Kingdom (UK). Verbatim transcripts were analysed through an iterative process of thematic analysis carried out by an interdisciplinary team of qualitative researchers from environmental psychology, medicine, and geography. Themes provide insight into the social dimensions of GOHWs, the mediating effects of social experiences, and the contribution these make to individual social wellbeing. GOHWs provide opportunities to be part of a group and attend to the needs of inexperienced or physically challenged individuals. Being part of the group walk fosters casual interpersonal interactions through spontaneous mixing during and after the walk. This programmatic structure counters loneliness, engenders pleasurable anticipation of regular contact with others, supports physical activity, and fosters group cohesion. These in turn contribute to individual social wellbeing, including expanding social networks, meaningful relationships, a sense of belonging, and acting on empathy for others. GOWHs may be beneficial for mitigation of social isolation as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings were used to propose a conceptual model to parse social constructs and inform selection or development of quantitative social measures for future studies of nature-based interventions such as GOHWs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Topical Collection: Nature, Mindfulness and Social Isolation in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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16 pages, 970 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychosocial and Biological Outcomes of Immersive, Mindfulness-Based Treks in Nature for Groups of Young Adults and Caregivers Affected by Cancer: Results from a Single Arm Program Evaluation from 2016–2021

by David Victorson, Gretchen Doninger, Scott Victorson, Gwen Victorson, Lars Hall, Carly Maletich, Bradley R. Corr, Kathy Scortino, Zachary Burns, Lori Allen, Ian Rosa, Kelley Quirk, Adekunle Adegbemi, Johanna Strokoff, Kile Zuidema, Kelle Sajdak, Todd Mckibben, Angie Roberts, Thomas W. McDade, Amanda Boes, Katie McAlinden, Karen Arredondo, Christina Sauer, Kristin Smith and John M. Salsman Show full author list Hide full author list

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12622; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312622 - 30 Nov 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3978

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has left many individuals suffering from “connection deficit disorder” given changes to the way we work, go to school, socialize, and engage in daily activities. Young adults affected by cancer between the ages of 18–39 have known this connection deficit long before the pandemic. Being diagnosed and treated for cancer during this time can significantly disrupt engagement in important educational, career, social, and reproductive pursuits, and contribute to increased stress, anxiety, depression, and other negative outcomes. Experiencing meaningful connection—with nature, with peers who understand, and with oneself, may help assuage this adverse effect of disconnect. A single arm within-subjects program evaluation was conducted to examine outcomes following participation in immersive, multi-night, mindfulness-based treks in nature in a sample of young adults (n = 157) and caregivers (n = 50) affected by cancer from 2016–2021. Pre to post-trek changes included significant (p < 0.001) self-reported improvements in feeling connected to nature (d = 0.93–0.95), peers (d = 1.1–1.3), and oneself (d = 0.57–1.5); significant (p < 0.001) improvements on PROMIS Anxiety (d = 0.62–0.78), Depression (d = 0.87–0.89), and Sleep Disturbance (d = 0.37–0.48) short forms; and significant (p < 0.05) changes in pro-inflammatory biomarkers (d = 0.55–0.82). Connection-promoting experiences like this have the potential to improve health and wellbeing in this population and serve as a model for others. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Topical Collection: Nature, Mindfulness and Social Isolation in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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16 pages, 1119 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of the Effectiveness of an Abbreviated Program versus a Standard Program in Mindfulness, Self-Compassion and Self-Perceived Empathy in Tutors and Resident Intern Specialists of Family and Community Medicine and Nursing in Spain

by Luis Ángel Pérula-de Torres, Juan Carlos Verdes-Montenegro-Atalaya, Elena Melús-Palazón, Leonor García-de Vinuesa, Francisco Javier Valverde, Luis Alberto Rodríguez, Norberto Lietor-Villajos, Cruz Bartolomé-Moreno, Herminia Moreno-Martos, Javier García-Campayo, Josefa González-Santos, Paula Rodríguez-Fernández, Benito León-del-Barco, Raúl Soto-Cámara, Jerónimo J. González-Bernal and The MINDUUDD Collaborative Study Group

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 4340; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18084340 - 20 Apr 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4338

Abstract

Health professionals are among the most vulnerable to work stress and emotional exhaustion problems. These health professionals include tutors and resident intern specialists, due to the growing demand for the former and the high work overload of the latter. Mindfulness training programs can support these professionals during times of crisis, such as the current global pandemic caused by the coronavirus-19 disease. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of an abbreviated Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) training program in relation to a standard training program on the levels of mindfulness, self-compassion, and self-perceived empathy in tutors and resident intern specialists of Family and Community Medicine and Nursing. A total of 112 professionals attached to six Spanish National Health System teaching units (TUs) participated in this randomized and controlled clinical trial. Experimental Group (GE) participants were included in the standard or abbreviated MBSR programs. The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), the Self-Compassion Scale short form (SCS-SF), and the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy (JSPE) were administered three times during the study: before, immediately after, and 3 months after the intervention. Adjusted covariance analysis (ANCOVA), using pretest scores as the covariate, showed a significant increase in mindfulness (F_(2,91) = 3.271; p = 0.042; η² = 0.067) and self-compassion (F_(2,91) = 6.046; p = 0.003; η² = 0.117) in the post-test visit, and in self-compassion (F_(2,79) = 3.880; p = 0.025; η² = 0.089) in the follow-up visit, attributable to the implementation of the standard training program. The standard MBSR and MSC training program improves levels of mindfulness and self-compassion, and promotes long-lasting effects in tutors and resident intern specialists. New studies are needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of abbreviated training programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Topical Collection: Nature, Mindfulness and Social Isolation in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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11 pages, 2656 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Mind–Body Modalities via Telemedicine during the COVID-19 Crisis: Cases in the Republic of Korea

by Chan-Young Kwon, Hui-Yong Kwak and Jong Woo Kim

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(12), 4477; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124477 - 22 Jun 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4212

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected the world, and its deleterious effects on human domestic life, society, economics, and especially on human mental health are expected to continue. Mental health experts highlighted health issues this pandemic may cause, such as depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Mind–body intervention, such as mindfulness meditation, has accumulated sufficient empirical evidence supporting the efficacy in improving human mental health states and the use for this purpose has been increasing. Notably, some of these interventions have already been tried in the form of telemedicine or eHealth. Korea, located adjacent to China, was exposed to COVID-19 from a relatively early stage, and today it is evaluated to have been successful in controlling this disease. “The COVID-19 telemedicine center of Korean medicine” has treated more than 20% of the confirmed COVID-19 patients in Korea with telemedicine since 9 March 2020. The center used telemedicine and mind–body modalities (including mindfulness meditation) to improve the mental health of patients diagnosed with COVID-19. In this paper, the telemedicine manual is introduced to provide insights into the development of mental health interventions for COVID-19 and other large-scale disasters in the upcoming new-normal era. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Topical Collection: Nature, Mindfulness and Social Isolation in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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Review

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21 pages, 2171 KiB

Open AccessReview

Greenspace Interventions, Stress and Cortisol: A Scoping Review

by Reo Jones, Robin Tarter and Amy Miner Ross

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 2802; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18062802 - 10 Mar 2021

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 6338

Abstract

Background: Engaging with nature can profoundly impact psychological and physiological health of persons across the lifespan. Greenspace interventions (GSI) encompass a broad range of strategic, nature-based activities for overall health and wellbeing. Within the past 20 years there has been a growing interest in the access to and management of greenspace to mediate the deleterious impact of acute and chronic stress, particularly, physiologic biomarkers of stress such as cortisol. Objective: This review aims to describe the impact of greenspace interventions on cortisol, to present the current state of the science on GSIs as they impact cortisol, and to uncover any limitations of current research strategies to best inform future research. Methods: A scoping methodology was conducted to systematically study this emerging field and inform future research by mapping the literature based on the GSI category, interventional design, cortisol metrics, and subsequent analysis of cortisol. Conclusion: Considerable heterogeneity in research design, aim(s), interventional strategy, and cortisol metrics were identified from a total of 18 studies on GSIs and cortisol outcomes. While studies demonstrated a potential for the positive association between GSIs and stress relief, more rigorous research is needed to represent GSIs as an intervention to mitigate risks of stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Topical Collection: Nature, Mindfulness and Social Isolation in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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13 pages, 314 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mindfulness and Shinrin-Yoku: Potential for Physiological and Psychological Interventions during Uncertain Times

by Erica R. Timko Olson, Margaret M. Hansen and Amber Vermeesch

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(24), 9340; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17249340 - 14 Dec 2020

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 10881

Abstract

Mindfulness and Shinrin-yoku (SY) translated as forest bathing, is potentially effective to alleviate mental health issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. The purpose of this article is to provide a translational and pragmatic approach to understanding mindfulness in the context of SY and psychological wellbeing through a rapid review of the literature. The background of mindfulness and SY practice are discussed and the emotional, neuroendocrine, and neurobiological responses are examined. Next, a rapid review of the literature examined six studies, published between 2010 and 2020 to determine what is known regarding the relationship between SY, mindfulness, and psychological wellbeing. The studies included 21–360 participants with a mean age of 20–55 years. The results demonstrated a significant positive correlation between nature, mindfulness, and measures of psychological wellbeing. During uncertain events, including COVID-19, weaving mindfulness with SY may be specifically important to at-risk groups, those experiencing depression, loneliness, and social isolation, and at-risk populations such as college students, veterans, and professionals with high levels of stress. The goal of this review is to provide a thorough background and support of this cost-effective modality to promote overall psychological wellbeing as a preventative measure to those at risk or experiencing psychological illnesses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Topical Collection: Nature, Mindfulness and Social Isolation in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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