Articles from:March 2020

• Getting outside is good for physical and mental health, say Brock experts

  Wednesday, March 25, 2020 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 25 March 2020 – R0050

  In light of recent park closures by conservation authorities and municipalities to prevent the spread of COVID-19, people need to be creative in how they connect with nature, says Kyle Rich, Assistant Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies at Brock University.

  Connecting with nature could include activities like gardening, strolling around the block or walking in a neighbourhood park.

  “Research shows that exercising outdoors and even just being outdoors, where you’re exposed to natural products like wood, flowers or plants, stimulates physiological responses in our body,” says Rich.

  Even better, exposure to the outdoors has tangible positive mental health outcomes.

  “It’s important to consider the physiological and mental health benefits of being outdoors and how to integrate that into your plans when you can’t go to the gym or go out with friends to social events like you normally do,” says Rich.

  Even having plants or pets inside the house makes a difference, he adds.

  When making plans to be outside, Rich stresses the need to avoid touching surfaces and follow physical distancing and other protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

  “Appreciate what we do have access to,” he says. “If you have a small backyard or a balcony, take the time to use it and make the best of it. You could even take your home workout to the front porch.”

  Kyle is co-author of the recent policy brief “Mood Walks: The role of parks and recreation in mental health promotion” from Brock’s Niagara Community Observatory, co-authored by Martha Barnes, Associate Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies.

  This work builds on earlier Brock research conducted at the Glenridge Quarry Naturalization Site in St. Catharines which found walking in a natural setting improves mood more so than in urban environments.

  Cheryl McCormick, Professor of Psychology and Director of Brock’s Centre for Neuroscience, oversaw the research conducted by then-PhD student Shawn Geniole.

  “There are substantial health benefits from walking, and there is increasing evidence that walks in nature are particularly beneficial,” she says. “Results from our well-controlled study were that taking a walk improved mood and decreased stress hormone concentrations, with bigger benefits in greener, natural spaces than in less-green, urban spaces.”

   

  Brock professors Kyle Rich and Cheryl McCormick are available for interviews through phone, video and email.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews: 

  * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University [email protected], 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

  – 30 –

  Categories: Media releases

• Online study examines how parents are talking to kids about COVID-19

  Tuesday, March 24, 2020 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 24 March 2020 – R0049

  A Brock University researcher wants to hear from parents or guardians of children about how they are talking about the global COVID-19 pandemic.

  Angela Evans, Associate Professor in Brock’s Department of Psychology, is part of a research team led by Lindsay Malloy of Ontario Tech University that has quickly mobilized to investigate how parents are helping children understand the novel coronavirus outbreak in a study entitled, “Coronavirus: Parent-Child Conversations and Children’s Reactions to the Pandemic.”

  “We are examining how parents talk to their children about coronavirus and how parents and children are thinking, feeling and behaving in relation to it,” says Evans,

  Using an online survey that takes about 30 minutes to complete, parents are asked to report how they are talking to their children about COVID-19, as well as their own thoughts and feelings about the pandemic.

  Parents are, as Evans points out, “important sources of information and emotional support for children,” especially when schools are closed and both children and parents are encouraged to stay at home.

  However, facing a situation unlike anything they have previously experienced, families are in uncharted waters as they determine how best to help children process information.

  “This first survey will give us insights into how parents are initially discussing the pandemic with children,” says Evans, who credits support from Brock’s Research Ethics Board staff and from Ontario Tech University with enabling the team to mount the study so quickly while conversations are still happening.

  Families who participate in the initial online survey will also be asked to complete some weekly surveys and an additional survey in six months. Once the pandemic has run its course and physical distancing is no longer required, some families will be invited to Evans’s Social Cognitive lab at Brock or the Development, Context and Communication Lab at Ontario Tech so  the research team can hear from children directly.

  Parents of children between the ages of five and 17 interested in participating should complete the first survey by Friday, March 27. The first 1,000 participants will receive a $5 Amazon gift card, and all participants will be entered into a draw for a $100 Amazon gift card.

  The research team, which broadly focuses on how youth report their experiences and the influence of parents and caregivers, is eager to capture data now to help inform parents in similar situations in the future.

  “We realize this is a challenging time for many, but we hope that people may feel like they are contributing in a positive way by completing this 30-minute survey,” says Evans.

  Angela Evans, Associate Professor in Brock’s Department of Psychology, is available for phone and Skype/Facetime interviews about the research.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University [email protected], 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

  – 30 –

  Categories: Media releases