Human Health and Wellbeing

The ocean has an important impact on human health. Living in proximity and being exposed to oceans and their resources have been associated with multiple health and wellbeing benefits.  However, the underlying mechanisms between exposure to oceans and human health remain understudied.In this field of research, we investigate the health of the ocean, the human health, and the interactions between both. In this interdiscipinary field of research, we rely on observations, models and experiments in order to understand the underlying mechanisms. The team collaborates with biologists, engineers, sociologists, economists, psychologists and doctors at national and international levels.

Zee en gezondheid

Recent and relevant publications

 

  • Hooyberg, A.; Michels, N.; Allaert, J.; Vandegehuchte, M.B.; Everaert, G.; De Henauw, S.; Roose, H. (2022). ‘Blue’ coasts: Unravelling the perceived restorativeness of coastal environments and the influence of their components. Landsc. Urb. Plan. 228: 104551.

 

  • Hooyberg, A.; Roose, H.; Grellier, J.; Elliott, L.R.; Lonneville, B.; White, M.P.; Michels, N.; De Henauw, S.; Vandegehuchte, M.; Everaert, G. (2020). General health and residential proximity to the coast in Belgium: results from a cross-sectional health survey. Environ. Res. 184: 109225.

 

  • Severin, M.I.; Raes, F.; Notebaert, E.; Lambrecht, L.; Everaert, G.; Buysse, A. (2022). A qualitative study on emotions experienced at the coast and their influence on well-being. Frontiers in Psychology 13: 902122.

 

  • Severin, M.I.; Vandegehuchte, M.B.; Hooyberg, A.; Buysse, A.; Raes, F.; Everaert, G. (2021). Influence of the Belgian coast on well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychol. Belg. 61(1): 284-295.

 

Projects

PhD-project BlueHealth of Alexander Hooyberg - the restoration capacity of the coast 

This study aims to quantify the psychological and physiological restoration potential of the different coastal environments and attributes along the Belgian coast, using photo experiments, virtual reality and real exposures after stress induction. Also, social and physical activities p erformed in the different coastal environments, and the consequent health implications will be quantified using a large-scale survey and distinguished between coastal residents and tourists from inland. 

Sustainable Marine Ecosystem Services

The SUMES project aims to develop a model to assess the impact of human-induced changes on the ecosystem, its structure (e.g. biodiversity) and function (e.g. food chains, biogeochemistry), its capacity to provide marine ecosystems goods and services

PhD-project BluePsychology - How coastal environments improve psychological wellbeing: underlying mechanisms

The overall aim of this PhD is to assess the emotional mechanisms of awe and nostalgia as potential mediators in the effect of coastal environments on psychological wellbeing, and more specifically the reduction of stress.