Research Assistant: Nature-based Interventions for Wellbeing in Study Abroad Students

Introduction to the topic:

DIS faculty from the Science & Health and Psychology departments are investigating if integrating nature-based interventions into student life at DIS can improve mental health and wellbeing. Nature-based interventions may involve activities like forest bathing, visits to therapy gardens, adventure therapy, exercise in green/blue spaces, and others. This project is inspired by Denmark’s renowned work-life balance, hygge lifestyle, consistent ranking among the top of the world’s happiest countries, and urban nature strategies.

Research assistants will develop an interdisciplinary literature review, design mixed-methods data collection measures, and solicit feedback from both DIS students and staff. The specific methods used will be tailored to the students’ background and interests, but may include surveys/questionnaires, experimental designs, interviews/focus groups, ethnographic studies, case studies, and/or participatory research.

Project details:

We are seeking up to 6 research assistants interested in one or more of the following topics:

Student perspectives
- What motivates and limits participation in nature-based activities?
- How do attitudes/values relate to participation and mental health outcomes?
Tailoring interventions
- How is public mental health addressed in Nordic countries across seasons?
- What would semester-specific nature-based interventions at DIS look like?
Delivery dynamics
- Do outcomes differ based on who is leading activities (e.g., peers vs. faculty/staff)?
- How can faculty/staff involvement be leveraged to increase student participation?
Equitable access
- How can the transit system be best leveraged to connect students to urban and rural nature spots?
- What catalog features are most valuable for students in selecting nature spaces? Length of walk options? Nearby restrooms, shelters, cafes, etc? Solo and/or group activities?

We welcome research assistants demonstrating strong collaboration skills, as students will be expected to work closely together throughout the semester. To promote synergy while still allowing for specialization, assistants will conduct a literature review on one of the core topics listed above either independently or with one other research assistant. All research assistants must engage with their peers by attending literature review presentations and providing constructive feedback throughout the semester.

Selected relevant publications:

Coventry, P., et al (2021). Nature-based outdoor activities for mental and physical health: systematic review and meta-analysis. SSM – Population Health, 16, 100934. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100934
Nejade, R., et al (2022). Enabling health outcomes of nature-based interventions: a systematic scoping review. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.03.16.22272412
Vitagliano, L. A., et al (2023). Group nature-based mindfulness interventions: nature-based mindfulness training for college students with anxiety. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(2), 1451. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021451

Prerequisites

At least two (2) general psychology courses at a university level.

Additional application required

You must submit an additional application through the Online Registration portal.

All application materials must be submitted on the following dates by midnight in your time zone:

November 1 for spring semester applicants
May 1 for fall semester applicants

Complete your application through Student Registration.

Recommended experience

While previous experience in psychology courses is strongly preferred for applicants, if you have other experiences relevant to the topic of this project (strong outdoors skills, extracurricular experience, etc.) that you could contribute and you are motivated to research the mental health and wellbeing of students, then you are still welcome to apply.

Faculty

Bethany Chamberlain

Faculty

MSc from University of Strathclyde, Psychology and research methodology, BA from Bemidji State University. Varied work experience including researcher, research assistant, teacher, tutor, etc. Recently worked on a PhD project relating to the decision-making processes of machine learning researchers but withdrew and am now considering other research proposals relating to mental health, interdisciplinarity, technology in education, and more. With DIS since 2021

Research Assistantship FAQ

Learn more about research at DIS.

: Earning authorship within the course of a semester is challenging. Exceptional Research Assistants may be considered for co-authorship, subject to evaluation from the supervising Research Mentor.

Though you may not ultimately become an author on a published paper, you will gain many practical skills and insights into the publication process.

: Many research projects last across several semesters, so not all RAs on the same project will conduct the same research.

: On average, students in 3-credit Research Assistantships spend at least 10 hours a week on research tasks. These 10 hours per week consist of a variety of different research-related tasks, including conducting a literature review, data collection, analyses, coding, documentation, and meetings with your mentor. You may decide on a particular block of time (consistent each week) for you to carry out the work, or adjust it on a week-by-week basis.

Students in a 6-credit Research Assistantships spend an average of 20 hours per week with lab and clinically based research tasks. You decide the exact meeting and lab times with your supervisor, but your schedule consists of classes at DIS two days a week, with two days a week in the lab.

There may be peak times in the research process where all Research Assistant students are expected to spend a few more hours, and then possibly fewer hours another week – to reflect the individual research project and process.

: Work for the 3-credit Research Assistantships may take place outside DIS, on your own time at a location of your choosing, or at DIS – this varies from project to project. The 6-credit research assistantships generally take place at labs in Copenhagen or Stockholm outside DIS.

: Students with a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the 3-credit Research Assistant course. While some courses do have prerequisites, many opportunities do not require prior research experience.

The 6-credit Research Assistant opportunity is designed for highly motivated students who have a strong science background within the field of interest and some basic research experience. The student must be willing to commit a large portion of their semester to an engaging opportunity involving hands-on research in universities and medical institutes in Copenhagen or Stockholm.

Introduction to the topic:

Project details:

Prerequisites

Additional application required

Recommended experience

Faculty

Bethany Chamberlain

Research Assistantship FAQ

Will I publish a research paper?

What exactly will I do?

What is the time commitment for a 3-credit or 6-credit Research Assistantship?

Where is the research work carried out?

What type of student applies for the 3- and 6-credit Research Assistant courses?