Locating oneself in the past to influence the present: Impacts of Neolithic landscapes on mental health well-being
Resource type
Journal article
Creator (person)
Heaslip, Vanessa
Vahdaninia, Mariam
Hind, Martin
Darvill, Tim
Staelens, Yvette
O'Donoghue, Daniel
Drysdale, Laura
Lunt, Sara
Hogg, Chris
Allfrey, Martin
Clifton, Briony
Sutcliffe, Toby
Date published
March 2020
Abstract
There are well-established links between mental health and the environment. Mental illness is a global issue, and international policies increasingly focus on promoting mental health well-being through community-based approaches, including non-clinical initiatives such as therapeutic landscapes and the use of heritage assets. However, the empirical evidence-base for the impact of such initiatives is limited. This innovative study, known as Human Henge, used a mixed-methods approach to investigate the impact of immersive experiences of prehistoric landscapes on the well-being of participants with mental health issues. Uniquely, the study followed participants for a year after their participation in the project to explore the long-term impact of their experiences on their mental well-being. Findings highlight that, overall, participants experienced improved mental health well-being from baseline to mid- and end-of programme (p = 0.01 & 0.003), as well as one-year post-programme (p = 0.03). Qualitative data indicated the reconnection of participants with local communities, and with other people, in ways that improved their mental health well-being. These data highlight the effectiveness of using heritage as a means of improving the well-being of people with mental health issues.
Funder
| Funder name | Awards |
Heritage Lottery Fund | OH-16-00165 |
English Heritage | |
Bournemouth University | |
The Richmond Fellowship | |
Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust | |
Wiltshire County Council | |
The National Trust | |
Journal title
Health & Place
Volume
62
Publisher
Elsevier BV
ISSN
1353-8292