Journal article
Understanding the Psychological Health and Well-Being Benefits of Physical Activity in Nature: An Ecological Dynamics Analysis
Ecopsychology, Vol.6(3), pp.189-197
01/09/2014
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Abstract
There is growing evidence that contact with nature and physical activity in nature have considerable benefits for human health. Exposure to nature has been shown to improve psychological well-being, relieve stress, increase positive mood, enhance life skills, reduce mental fatigue, increase concentration, and reduce aggression. In this paper, we propose a functional perspective from ecological dynamics, which emphasizes the person-environment scale of analysis for understanding the psychological benefits of physical activity in nature. From this viewpoint, psychological benefits of green exercise emerge from a rich landscape of affordances or behavioral opportunities during interactions with natural environments to enhance human health and well-being.
Key Words: Nature—Ecological dynamics—Affordances—Psychological well-being—Physical activity.
Details
- Title
- Understanding the Psychological Health and Well-Being Benefits of Physical Activity in Nature: An Ecological Dynamics Analysis
- Creators
- Eric Brymer - 1Department of Exercise and Sport Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe, UKKeith Davids - 2Centre for Sports Engineering Research, Sheffield Hallam University. FiDiPro Programme, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, FinlandLiz Mallabon - 3School of Outdoor Studies, Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, University of Cumbria, Ambleside, UK
- Publication Details
- Ecopsychology, Vol.6(3), pp.189-197
- Publisher
- Mary Ann Liebert, Inc
- Identifiers
- 991012951193402368
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health; Human Sciences
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article