Relationships of Change in Physical Activity †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Relationships of Change in Physical Activity. Answer: Critical Analysis A comprehensive research done by the University of Exeter (2017) found that people residing in neighborhoods comprised of more birds, shrubs and trees were less likely to feel depressed, anxious or stressed. The study which was conducted on 270 participants from different ethnic backgrounds, ages and incomes also found that individuals who spent less time outdoors compared to the previous week were more likely to complain of stress, anxiety and depression. The key assumptions based on the assertions that were made in an online article by the University of Exeter (2017) was that there was a correlation between living in neighborhoods comprised of birds, shrubs and trees and suffering from depression, stress and anxiety. As such, individuals living around homes, urban or leafier suburban regions comprised of birds, shrubs and trees were less likely to suffer from these complications. Another key assumption made by the research was that people who spent less time outdoors compared to previous weeks also had a high chance of feeling depressed, anxious or stressed. One major strength of the assertions put forward by the study was that a large group of participants was involved. This mental health survey was carried out on 270 individuals from Milton Keynes, Bedford and Lutton who were from different ages, ethnic backgrounds and incomes. According to Schnbrodt and Perugini (2013), a large sample size is more representative of a population which consequently limits the effect of outliers and extreme occurrences. Schnbrodt and Perugini (2013) write that a large sample size leads to more conclusive and useful results. The advantage of this study is that it would help in determining patterns and correlation between cause and effect outcomes. During the survey, familiar types of birds observed included blackbirds, robins, crows and blue tits. However, the survey did not come up with a correlation between types of birds and mental well-being, but rather the number of birds that could be seen when looking through the window. Previous research has shown that many people dont know the species of birds that they interact with (Dallimer et al., 2012). This implies that people are not looking to interact with certain birds but with birds that give them a sense of well-being. The assertions put forward by the study had their weakness as well. There was an element of bias in the times of the day that birds were observed. The academics spearheading the research focused mainly on afternoon bird numbers- which they argued were more likely to be seen often compared to birds seen in the morning. However, Martinez (2012) argues that birds can be seen at any time of the day depending on which species they belong to. As such, there are those often seen during the morning, afternoon, evening and nighttime. Another limitation of this mental study is that the effects of seeing birds, shrubs and trees are correlational. Although the researchers claimed that birds around homes and nature in general show signs of optimism in preventing health care complications and making places healthier to live in, the effects may be correlational. Correlation cannot be taken to imply causation (Schnbrodt Perugini, 2013) hence it would be wrong to say that residing in regionss with a lot birds, shrubs and trees was the only reason people had better mental health. Other variables could have led to better healthcare and will be discussed in the next paragraph. Mental health can be defined as the overall psychological well-being of someone (Townsend, 2014). It comprises the way you feel about yourself and others as well as how you manage your emotions and deal with difficulty (Townsend, 2014). Mechanic, McAlpine and Rochefort (2013) write that being mentally healthy is much more than being free of anxiety, stress and depression. Rather mental health is all about the presence of positive characteristics. One such positive characteristic which could have led to the correlation in the study is resilience. Being mentally healthy does not imply that you never have any emotional problems (Lindwall et al., 2014). People go through disappointments and changes all the time which is normal. However, these can also lead to depression, anxiety and stress (Lindwall et al., 2014). Resilience is how youre able to bounce back from any depression, anxiety and stress which consequently leads to strong mental health (Lindwall et al., 2014). People who are men tally resilient are capable of coping with difficult circumstances and portraying a positive outlook. They remain productive and focused during good times and bad times (Josefsson, Lindwall Archer, 2014). Furthermore, their resilience makes them less fearful of trying out new things or what the future may bring. Even when they lack a solution to a problem, they remain hopeful that a solution will be found in the long run (Josefsson, Lindwall Archer, 2014). Another variable which could influence mental health is physical exercise. The human body and mind are closely interconnected. Improving you're physically health will eventually lead to greater mental health (Musiat Tarrier, 2014). Once you exercise, your body releases endorphins which are powerful chemicals that boost your mood and increase your energy levels. Regular physical exercise can have a huge impact on mental health problems through relieving stress, inducing better sleep and improving memory (Naeem et al., 2016). In conclusion, future health surveys can take into consideration the impact of resilience and physical exercise among other factors on mental health care. Also, the element of bias should be eliminated when carrying out surveys to improve the viability of claims or assertions. References Dallimer, M., Davies, Z. G., Irvine, K. N., Maltby, L., Warren, P. H., Gaston, K. J., Armsworth, P. R. (2014). What personal and environmental factors determine frequency of urban greenspace use?International journal of environmental research and public health,11(8), 7977-7992. Josefsson, T., Lindwall, M., Archer, T. (2014). Physical exercise intervention in depressivedisorders: Meta?analysis and systematic review.Scandinavian journal of medicine science in sports,24(2), 259-272. Lindwall, M., Gerber, M., Jonsdottir, I. H., Brjesson, M., Ahlborg Jr, G. (2014). The relationships of change in physical activity with change in depression, anxiety, and burnout: A longitudinal study of Swedish healthcare workers.Health Psychology,33(11), 1309. Martinez, T. (2014). Bird Watching at Different Times of the Day. Retrieved September 26, 2017, from Barkyardchirper.com: https://www.backyardchirper.com/bird-info-229.html Mechanic, D., McAlpine, D. D., Rochefort, D. A. (2013).Mental health and social policy: Beyond managed care. Pearson Higher Ed. Musiat, P., Tarrier, N. (2014). Collateral outcomes in e-mental health: a systematic review of the evidence for added benefits of computerized cognitive behavior therapy interventions for mental health.Psychological medicine,44(15), 3137-3150. Naeem, F., Johal, R., McKenna, C., Rathod, S., Ayub, M., Lecomte, T., ... Farooq, S. (2016). Cognitive Behavior Therapy for psychosis based Guided Self-help (CBTp-GSH) delivered by frontline mental health professionals: Results of a feasibility study.Schizophrenia research,173(1), 69-74. Schnbrodt, F. D., Perugini, M. (2013). At what sample size do correlations stabilize? Journal of Research in Personality,47(5), 609-612. Townsend, M. C. (2014).Psychiatric mental health nursing: Concepts of care in evidence-based practice.FA Davis. University of Exeter. (2017, February 25). Watching birds near your home is good for your mental health: People living in neighborhoods with more birds, shrubs and trees are less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and stress.ScienceDaily. Retrieved September26, 2017, from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/02/170225102113.htm