Mental movements

How long‐distance walking influences reflection processes among middle‐age and older adults

Dados Bibliográficos

ID21391793
AutoresMartin Mau (0000-0002-7970-8874, Department of Psychology University of Southern Denmark Odense Denmark, autor correspondente), Dorthe Susanne Nielsen (0000-0002-3954-7551, Migrant Health Clinic Odense University Hospital Odense Denmark), Ida Skytte Jakobsen (0000-0002-7282-6616, Health Social Work and Welfare Research UCL University College Odense Denmark), Søren Harnow Klausen (0000-0002-2650-1861, Department for the Study of Culture University of Southern Odense Denmark), Kirsten Kaya Roessler (0000-0001-6605-7999, Department of Psychology University of Southern Denmark Odense Denmark)
Ano2021
Volume62
Fascículo3
Páginas365-373
Data de publicação2021-06-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoScandinavian Journal of Psychology (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0036-5564 • E-ISSN: 1467-9450
EditoraWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/sjop.12721
PMID33719040
OpenAlexW3137126844
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas2
Referências citadas48

By providing a distinctive room for reflection, long‐distance walks can help people similar to professional counselling. To understand reflection processes’ influence on mental health, a framework focusing on personal transformations, specifically through the concept of liminality, can be used. Through nine semi‐structured interviews with middle‐aged and older long‐distance walkers, this study answers the following question: How do middle‐aged and older adults experience long‐distance walking, and how do their experiences influence their reflective process? Four themes emerged during the analysis: (1) overcoming strain and achieving a sense of capability; (2) simplicity in obligations and having the time to pursue emotionally difficult experiences; (3) solitariness and reflection on oneself; and (4) calmness and embracing thoughts. These findings illustrate how going on long‐distance walks may be similar to entering a liminal, or transformational, space. The findings show how long‐distance walks can be helpful, or perhaps even therapeutic, in situations where personal transformation is required

Cognitive psychology · Developmental psychology · Middle age · Reflection (computer programming) · Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction · Psychology · Spatial Cognition and Navigation · Urban Green Space and Health