Ecominds-effects-on-mental-wellbeing-evaluation-report

An evaluation for Mind 19The ‘Wellbeing and the Environment’ model illustrates thepathways through which health and wellbeing impactsmay come about following participation in environmentalenhancement and conservation activities. Health-relatedoutcomes (mental health, social functioning and physical health)are affected by ‘mechanisms of change and process outcomes’which are broad themes derived from the research evidenceand either link the activity to the health-related outcomes orare considered as desirable outcomes in their own right.Moderators are the factors which might influence the outcomesand have been categorised into three sources – mechanismsof action, environment in which an activity is undertaken andthose related to the types of activity itself (i.e. the programme).Personal mediators are included to demonstrate that theevidence suggests that factors such as personal expectationsand social identity are important and that these may influencethe outcomes. Motivation is considered separately because itemerged as a key factor as to how individuals approach andpotentially benefit from the programme.Finally, the circular arrows are used to demonstrate thatparticipation is a dynamic process whose outcomes canchange and affect one another. These outcomes then cannottherefore be considered in isolation or as strictly independent(e.g. increased social contact may improve a participant’sconfidence which may result in further opportunities for socialcontact, ability to take on leadership roles and so on).For more information see http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD010351/abstractFurther University of Essex research 79has developed a funnel of pathwayswithin which all our lives are shaped(Figure 2). At the top, people live longerwith a better quality of life; at the bottomthey die earlier and often live years witha lower quality of life. On the healthypathway, people tend to be active, beconnected to people and society, engagewith natural places, and eat healthyfoods. As a result, they tend to havehigher self-esteem and better mood,be members of groups and volunteermore, keep learning, engage regularlywith nature and be more resilient tostress, thus fulfilling many of the FiveWays to Wellbeing.Conversely, on the unhealthy pathway,people tend to be inactive and sedentary,be disconnected from society and socialgroups, not engage with natural places,and eat energy-dense and unhealthyfoods. They also tend to have lowersocio-economic status, be in morestressful jobs, live where active travelto work or school is difficult, haveincreased likelihood of being mentally ill,and be overweight or obese.79 Pretty et al 2010Figure 2. Life pathwaysPathway A - people tend to• Be active• Be connected to people and society• Engage with natural places• Eat healthy foodsLive longerBetterqualityof lifeThree ages of childhoodIn uteroAttachmentSecureNurturedExpolorationEngagementMemory-makingIndependenceInclusionRisk-takingAdulthoodElderly-9 mths0 yrs5-6 yrs11-12 yrs18 yrs+60-65 yrsPathway B - people tend to• Be inactive/sedentary• Be disconnected from society• Not engage with natural places• Eat energy-dense and unhealthy foodsDie earlierLive yearswith lowerqualityof lifeSource:Source:PrettyPretty et et al.,al.,20092009