Melissa Marselle
Biographic Data
| ID | 1500681 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Melissa Marselle |
| GIVEN NAMES | Melissa |
| FAMILY NAME | Marselle |
| SIGNATURE | MARSELLE M |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of Surrey |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-3245-7473 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 25 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 16 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 25 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2013 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 3 |
From barriers to bridges: Community researchers as methodological innovators in health intervention evaluation
Gathering consistent and meaningful health intervention evaluation data from structurally disadvantaged communities presents significant challenges. Traditional external evaluation approaches often fail to capture authentic experiences due to linguistic barriers, cultural differences, and mistrust of formal systems. This study presents a systematic exploration of community researcher (CR) approaches across three diverse organisational contexts, e…
The influence of acoustic characteristics and anthropogenic noise on restorative perceptions of natural soundscapes
Natural soundscapes are an important cultural ecosystem service that can promote mental health and well‐being. However, the role of specific acoustic characteristics in delivering these benefits and the constraining effects of anthropogenic noise are currently unclear. To address these gaps, we conducted two complementary studies, a representative UK online study ( N = 1529) and a lab‐based study ( N = 62), in which participants listened to nine …
Willingness to pay for birdsong
We present the first estimate of the causal effect of auditory sensation on willingness to pay and the first estimate of the marginal value of bird song, using constructed soundscapes. We compare willingness to pay values for increases in bird wildlife habitat quality and quantity between samples where respondents are played recordings of soundscapes compared to respondents who do not get to listen to these simulated soundscapes. Preferences for …
Perceived biodiversity: Is what we measure also what we see and hear
Biodiversity is crucial for human health and well‐being. Perceived biodiversity—people's subjective experience of biodiversity—seems to be particularly relevant for mental well‐being. Using photographs and audio recordings of forests that varied in levels of biodiversity, we conducted two sorting studies to assess how people perceive visual and acoustic diversity and whether their perceptions align with species richness and proxies for forest str…
Thriving Through Stressful Life Events with Nature: A Mixed-Method Study on Tending Indoor Plants and Rumination Resilience
Stressful life events are often undesirable, inevitable, and significant changes in one's life, often triggering rumination and posing risks to mental health. However, these risks can be managed through coping strategies. Contact with nature has been shown to reduce rumination and enhance mental well-being. The current study investigated the effectiveness of a one-month nature-based intervention in enhancing psychological well-being and building …
Forest biodiversity and structure modulate human health benefits and risks
Barriers to Participation in Nature Prescriptions: Evidence From a Cross‐Sectional Survey of Adults in Australia, India, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States
Cities, states, and countries across the globe are recognizing the interconnections of human and planetary health, and are investing in greening. Nevertheless, environmental improvements may not bring adequate changes in exposure needed to reduce chronic disease and improve mental health. Nature prescription, in which a health provider refers a patient to spend time outdoors, is a potential behavioral intervention that could connect people to acc…
The more the merrier? Perceived forest biodiversity promotes short‐term mental health and well‐being—A multicentre study
Forests can foster mental health and well‐being. Yet, the contribution of forest biodiversity remains unclear, and experimental research is needed to unravel pathways of biodiversity–health linkages. Here, we assess the role of tree species richness, both actual and perceived, and how stress reduction and attention restoration can serve as potential mediating pathways to achieve positive mental health and well‐being outcomes. We conducted an expe…
National biodiversity strategies under-utilize the potential for individual behavior change
Biodiversity conservation is increasingly recognized as a main challenge for the sustainability agenda. With humans at the epicenter of the biodiversity crisis, conserving nature requires changes in individual behavior. This study reveals gaps regarding the incorporation of behavior change into national biodiversity policy. A total of 1306 policy actions proposed by ten National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) from all world reg…
Exploring the motivation and challenges for land-users engaged in sustainable grazing in Europe
Grazing of both domestic and wild large herbivores can contribute to multiple ecosystem services. However, grazing systems strongly differ in the intensity of management and outcomes, and we define sustainable grazing as grazing which benefits multiple environmental ecosystem services. Previous studies have found that, in general, grazing systems with relatively low densities of animals, and with minimal and only targeted applications of dewormin…
Outdoor health intervention for refugees, migrants, and asylum-seekers: A mixed-methods pilot study
How do different types and characteristics of green space impact mental health? A scoping review
Green space matters for mental health but is under constant pressure in an increasingly urbanising world. Often there is little space available in cities for green areas, so it is vital to optimise the design and usage of these available green spaces. To achieve this, experts in planning, design and nature conservation need to know which types and characteristics of green spaces are most beneficial for residents' mental health. A scoping review o…
Social Isolation in Older Adults: A Qualitative Study on the Social Dimensions of Group Outdoor Health Walks
Physical distancing practices during the COVID-19 global pandemic contributed to a high degree of social isolation among older adults. To reduce loneliness and other ill effects of social isolation, public health experts recommended outdoor social gathering, with physical distancing. Adopting a case study approach, we explored how social aspects of group outdoor health walks (GOHWs) mitigate social isolation for older adults and improve individua…
Pathways linking biodiversity to human health: A conceptual framework
Biodiversity is a cornerstone of human health and well-being. However, while evidence of the contributions of nature to human health is rapidly building, research into how biodiversity relates to human health remains limited in important respects. In particular, a better mechanistic understanding of the range of pathways through which biodiversity can influence human health is needed. These pathways relate to both psychological and social process…
Species richness is positively related to mental health – A study for Germany
Nature benefits human health. To date, however, little is known whether biodiversity relates to human health. While some local and city level studies show that species diversity, as a measure of biodiversity, can have positive effects, there is a lack of studies about the relationship between different species diversity measures and human health, especially at larger spatial scales. Here, we conduct cross-sectional analyses of the association bet…
Urban green space soundscapes and their perceived restorativeness
The positive influence of urban green spaces on human health and well‐being is well known while the pathways are little understood. Past research has largely focused on visual stimuli, yet the auditory pathway is also an important means for contact with nature. The sonic environments of urban green spaces, however, are rarely entirely natural and many differ in their composition of natural sounds and anthropogenic noise. Few studies have investig…
Group Outdoor Health Walks Using Activity Trackers: Measurement and Implementation Insight from a Mixed Methods Feasibility Study
Outdoor walking groups are nature-based interventions (NBIs) that promote health and wellbeing by modifying individual behaviour. The challenges of such NBIs include the motivation of inactive adults to participate and measurement issues. This feasibility study investigates a 12-week group outdoor health walk (GOHW) incorporating activity trackers and use of a holistic health and wellbeing measure, the Self-sasessment of Change (SAC) scale. A mix…
Growing Resilience through Interaction with Nature: Can Group Walks in Nature Buffer the Effects of Stressful Life Events on Mental Health
Nature-based activities have been used as therapeutic interventions for those experiencing stress and mental ill health. This study investigates whether group walks could be a nature-based intervention to foster resilience, by buffering the effects of recent stressful life events on mental health. An observational research design with propensity score-matched samples compared the mental health of individuals who did (Nature Group Walkers, n = 108…
A new framework for the design and evaluation of a learning institution's student engagement activities
In this article we explore the potential for attempts to encourage student engagement to be conceptualised as behaviour change activity, and specifically whether a new framework to guide such activity has potential value for the Higher Education (HE) sector. The Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) (Michie, Susan, Maartje M van Stralen, and Robert West. 2011. “The Behaviour Change Wheel: A New Method for Characterising and Designing Behaviour Change Inte…
Leaving the “sustainability or collapse” narrative behind
Staying over-optimistic about the future: Uncovering attentional biases to climate change messages
There is considerable concern that the public are not getting the message about climate change. One possible explanation is “optimism bias,” where individuals overestimate the likelihood of positive events happening to them and underestimate the likelihood of negative events. Evidence from behavioral neuroscience suggest that this bias is underpinned by selective information processing, specifically through a reduced level of neural coding of und…
Insights from psychology about the design and implementation of energy interventions using the Behaviour Change Wheel
Examining Group Walks in Nature and Multiple Aspects of Well-Being: A Large-Scale Study
Purpose: Outdoor walking groups can facilitate interaction with nature, social interaction, and physical activity, yet little is known about their efficacy in promoting mental, emotional and social well-being. National group walk programs are especially under-evaluated for these outcomes. The present study sought to identify the mental, emotional and social well-being benefits from participating in group walks in nature. \n \n Design: Drawing on …
Moving beyond Green: Exploring the Relationship of Environment Type and Indicators of Perceived Environmental Quality on Emotional Well-Being following Group Walks
Against the backdrop of increasing interest in the relationship between Nature and health, this study examined the effect of perceived environment type and indicators of perceived environmental quality on short-term emotional well-being following outdoor group walks. Participants (n = 127) of a national group walk program completed pre- and post-walk questionnaires for each walk attended (n = 1009) within a 13-week study period. Multilevel linear…
Walking for Well-Being: Are Group Walks in Certain Types of Natural Environments Better for Well-Being than Group Walks in Urban Environments
The benefits of walking in natural environments for well-being are increasingly understood. However, less well known are the impacts different types of natural environments have on psychological and emotional well-being. This cross-sectional study investigated whether group walks in specific types of natural environments were associated with greater psychological and emotional well-being compared to group walks in urban environments. Individuals …
Insights from psychology about the design and implementation of energy interventions using the Behaviour Change Wheel
Staying over-optimistic about the future: Uncovering attentional biases to climate change messages
There is considerable concern that the public are not getting the message about climate change. One possible explanation is “optimism bias,” where individuals overestimate the likelihood of positive events happening to them and underestimate the likelihood of negative events. Evidence from behavioral neuroscience suggest that this bias is underpinned by selective information processing, specifically through a reduced level of neural coding of und…
Leaving the “sustainability or collapse” narrative behind
Forest biodiversity and structure modulate human health benefits and risks
Outdoor health intervention for refugees, migrants, and asylum-seekers: A mixed-methods pilot study
Walking for Well-Being: Are Group Walks in Certain Types of Natural Environments Better for Well-Being than Group Walks in Urban Environments
The benefits of walking in natural environments for well-being are increasingly understood. However, less well known are the impacts different types of natural environments have on psychological and emotional well-being. This cross-sectional study investigated whether group walks in specific types of natural environments were associated with greater psychological and emotional well-being compared to group walks in urban environments. Individuals …
Examining Group Walks in Nature and Multiple Aspects of Well-Being: A Large-Scale Study
Purpose: Outdoor walking groups can facilitate interaction with nature, social interaction, and physical activity, yet little is known about their efficacy in promoting mental, emotional and social well-being. National group walk programs are especially under-evaluated for these outcomes. The present study sought to identify the mental, emotional and social well-being benefits from participating in group walks in nature. \n \n Design: Drawing on …
Moving beyond Green: Exploring the Relationship of Environment Type and Indicators of Perceived Environmental Quality on Emotional Well-Being following Group Walks
Against the backdrop of increasing interest in the relationship between Nature and health, this study examined the effect of perceived environment type and indicators of perceived environmental quality on short-term emotional well-being following outdoor group walks. Participants (n = 127) of a national group walk program completed pre- and post-walk questionnaires for each walk attended (n = 1009) within a 13-week study period. Multilevel linear…
Insights from psychology about the design and implementation of energy interventions using the Behaviour Change Wheel
Staying over-optimistic about the future: Uncovering attentional biases to climate change messages
There is considerable concern that the public are not getting the message about climate change. One possible explanation is “optimism bias,” where individuals overestimate the likelihood of positive events happening to them and underestimate the likelihood of negative events. Evidence from behavioral neuroscience suggest that this bias is underpinned by selective information processing, specifically through a reduced level of neural coding of und…
Growing Resilience through Interaction with Nature: Can Group Walks in Nature Buffer the Effects of Stressful Life Events on Mental Health
Nature-based activities have been used as therapeutic interventions for those experiencing stress and mental ill health. This study investigates whether group walks could be a nature-based intervention to foster resilience, by buffering the effects of recent stressful life events on mental health. An observational research design with propensity score-matched samples compared the mental health of individuals who did (Nature Group Walkers, n = 108…
A new framework for the design and evaluation of a learning institution's student engagement activities
In this article we explore the potential for attempts to encourage student engagement to be conceptualised as behaviour change activity, and specifically whether a new framework to guide such activity has potential value for the Higher Education (HE) sector. The Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) (Michie, Susan, Maartje M van Stralen, and Robert West. 2011. “The Behaviour Change Wheel: A New Method for Characterising and Designing Behaviour Change Inte…
Leaving the “sustainability or collapse” narrative behind
Group Outdoor Health Walks Using Activity Trackers: Measurement and Implementation Insight from a Mixed Methods Feasibility Study
Outdoor walking groups are nature-based interventions (NBIs) that promote health and wellbeing by modifying individual behaviour. The challenges of such NBIs include the motivation of inactive adults to participate and measurement issues. This feasibility study investigates a 12-week group outdoor health walk (GOHW) incorporating activity trackers and use of a holistic health and wellbeing measure, the Self-sasessment of Change (SAC) scale. A mix…
Pathways linking biodiversity to human health: A conceptual framework
Biodiversity is a cornerstone of human health and well-being. However, while evidence of the contributions of nature to human health is rapidly building, research into how biodiversity relates to human health remains limited in important respects. In particular, a better mechanistic understanding of the range of pathways through which biodiversity can influence human health is needed. These pathways relate to both psychological and social process…
Species richness is positively related to mental health – A study for Germany
Nature benefits human health. To date, however, little is known whether biodiversity relates to human health. While some local and city level studies show that species diversity, as a measure of biodiversity, can have positive effects, there is a lack of studies about the relationship between different species diversity measures and human health, especially at larger spatial scales. Here, we conduct cross-sectional analyses of the association bet…
Urban green space soundscapes and their perceived restorativeness
The positive influence of urban green spaces on human health and well‐being is well known while the pathways are little understood. Past research has largely focused on visual stimuli, yet the auditory pathway is also an important means for contact with nature. The sonic environments of urban green spaces, however, are rarely entirely natural and many differ in their composition of natural sounds and anthropogenic noise. Few studies have investig…
Social Isolation in Older Adults: A Qualitative Study on the Social Dimensions of Group Outdoor Health Walks
Physical distancing practices during the COVID-19 global pandemic contributed to a high degree of social isolation among older adults. To reduce loneliness and other ill effects of social isolation, public health experts recommended outdoor social gathering, with physical distancing. Adopting a case study approach, we explored how social aspects of group outdoor health walks (GOHWs) mitigate social isolation for older adults and improve individua…
How do different types and characteristics of green space impact mental health? A scoping review
Green space matters for mental health but is under constant pressure in an increasingly urbanising world. Often there is little space available in cities for green areas, so it is vital to optimise the design and usage of these available green spaces. To achieve this, experts in planning, design and nature conservation need to know which types and characteristics of green spaces are most beneficial for residents' mental health. A scoping review o…
The more the merrier? Perceived forest biodiversity promotes short‐term mental health and well‐being—A multicentre study
Forests can foster mental health and well‐being. Yet, the contribution of forest biodiversity remains unclear, and experimental research is needed to unravel pathways of biodiversity–health linkages. Here, we assess the role of tree species richness, both actual and perceived, and how stress reduction and attention restoration can serve as potential mediating pathways to achieve positive mental health and well‐being outcomes. We conducted an expe…
National biodiversity strategies under-utilize the potential for individual behavior change
Biodiversity conservation is increasingly recognized as a main challenge for the sustainability agenda. With humans at the epicenter of the biodiversity crisis, conserving nature requires changes in individual behavior. This study reveals gaps regarding the incorporation of behavior change into national biodiversity policy. A total of 1306 policy actions proposed by ten National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) from all world reg…
Exploring the motivation and challenges for land-users engaged in sustainable grazing in Europe
Grazing of both domestic and wild large herbivores can contribute to multiple ecosystem services. However, grazing systems strongly differ in the intensity of management and outcomes, and we define sustainable grazing as grazing which benefits multiple environmental ecosystem services. Previous studies have found that, in general, grazing systems with relatively low densities of animals, and with minimal and only targeted applications of dewormin…
Outdoor health intervention for refugees, migrants, and asylum-seekers: A mixed-methods pilot study
Perceived biodiversity: Is what we measure also what we see and hear
Biodiversity is crucial for human health and well‐being. Perceived biodiversity—people's subjective experience of biodiversity—seems to be particularly relevant for mental well‐being. Using photographs and audio recordings of forests that varied in levels of biodiversity, we conducted two sorting studies to assess how people perceive visual and acoustic diversity and whether their perceptions align with species richness and proxies for forest str…
Thriving Through Stressful Life Events with Nature: A Mixed-Method Study on Tending Indoor Plants and Rumination Resilience
Stressful life events are often undesirable, inevitable, and significant changes in one's life, often triggering rumination and posing risks to mental health. However, these risks can be managed through coping strategies. Contact with nature has been shown to reduce rumination and enhance mental well-being. The current study investigated the effectiveness of a one-month nature-based intervention in enhancing psychological well-being and building …
Forest biodiversity and structure modulate human health benefits and risks
Barriers to Participation in Nature Prescriptions: Evidence From a Cross‐Sectional Survey of Adults in Australia, India, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States
Cities, states, and countries across the globe are recognizing the interconnections of human and planetary health, and are investing in greening. Nevertheless, environmental improvements may not bring adequate changes in exposure needed to reduce chronic disease and improve mental health. Nature prescription, in which a health provider refers a patient to spend time outdoors, is a potential behavioral intervention that could connect people to acc…
From barriers to bridges: Community researchers as methodological innovators in health intervention evaluation
Gathering consistent and meaningful health intervention evaluation data from structurally disadvantaged communities presents significant challenges. Traditional external evaluation approaches often fail to capture authentic experiences due to linguistic barriers, cultural differences, and mistrust of formal systems. This study presents a systematic exploration of community researcher (CR) approaches across three diverse organisational contexts, e…
The influence of acoustic characteristics and anthropogenic noise on restorative perceptions of natural soundscapes
Natural soundscapes are an important cultural ecosystem service that can promote mental health and well‐being. However, the role of specific acoustic characteristics in delivering these benefits and the constraining effects of anthropogenic noise are currently unclear. To address these gaps, we conducted two complementary studies, a representative UK online study ( N = 1529) and a lab‐based study ( N = 62), in which participants listened to nine …
Willingness to pay for birdsong
We present the first estimate of the causal effect of auditory sensation on willingness to pay and the first estimate of the marginal value of bird song, using constructed soundscapes. We compare willingness to pay values for increases in bird wildlife habitat quality and quantity between samples where respondents are played recordings of soundscapes compared to respondents who do not get to listen to these simulated soundscapes. Preferences for …
Psychology (16 works) · Urban Green Space and Health (16 works) · Geography (13 works) · Biology (9 works) · Medicine (9 works) · Ecology (8 works) · Social Psychology (8 works) · Social Psychology (7 works) · Animal and Plant Science Education (6 works) · Biodiversity (6 works)