Locating oneself in the past to influence the present: Impacts of Neolithic landscapes on mental health well-being. (March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: 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
• Is Part Of: Health & place. Volume 62(2020:Mar.)
• Publication Date: 2020-03
• Subjects: Mental health -- Well-being -- Heritage -- World heritage sites -- Public health; Health -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Health services accessibility -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Periodicals; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Health Services Accessibility -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Sociology, Medical -- Periodicals; Épidémiologie -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Santé, Services de -- Accessibilité -- Périodiques; Health services accessibility; Health -- Social aspects; Political planning; Public health; Social medicine; Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.102273
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8292

Abstract

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. Highlights: Using heritage sites as part of therapeutic activities can improve mental health. Connecting with the past enables people to re-connect with the present. Measurable improvements in mental health from engagement with cultural heritage.