Reducing the Negative Impact of Social Distancing Through Intentional Connectedness

Akers, Shanna W.; Joseph, Rachel

doi:10.1097/cnj.0000000000000882

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 28 publications

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“…Connecting with other beings in meaningful ways is another highly recognized form of connection with a considerable amount of supporting scientific evidence [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Compelling empirical data on the health benefits of feeling connected with others have been reported by researchers for decades for improved mood, decreased cardiovascular disease risk and even all-cause mortality risk [ 21 , 23 , 24 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Psychosocial and Biological Outcomes of Immersive, Mindfulness-Based Treks in Nature for Groups of Young Adults and Caregivers Affected by Cancer: Results from a Single Arm Program Evaluation from 2016–2021

Victorson

Doninger²,

Victorson³

et al. 2021

IJERPH

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The COVID-19 pandemic has left many individuals suffering from “connection deficit disorder” given changes to the way we work, go to school, socialize, and engage in daily activities. Young adults affected by cancer between the ages of 18–39 have known this connection deficit long before the pandemic. Being diagnosed and treated for cancer during this time can significantly disrupt engagement in important educational, career, social, and reproductive pursuits, and contribute to increased stress, anxiety, depression, and other negative outcomes. Experiencing meaningful connection—with nature, with peers who understand, and with oneself, may help assuage this adverse effect of disconnect. A single arm within-subjects program evaluation was conducted to examine outcomes following participation in immersive, multi-night, mindfulness-based treks in nature in a sample of young adults (n = 157) and caregivers (n = 50) affected by cancer from 2016–2021. Pre to post-trek changes included significant (p < 0.001) self-reported improvements in feeling connected to nature (d = 0.93–0.95), peers (d = 1.1–1.3), and oneself (d = 0.57–1.5); significant (p < 0.001) improvements on PROMIS Anxiety (d = 0.62–0.78), Depression (d = 0.87–0.89), and Sleep Disturbance (d = 0.37–0.48) short forms; and significant (p < 0.05) changes in pro-inflammatory biomarkers (d = 0.55–0.82). Connection-promoting experiences like this have the potential to improve health and wellbeing in this population and serve as a model for others.

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