Date of Award
2008
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Supervisor
Dr. Philip C. Doyle
Abstract
Introduction: This study explored whether green experiences (i.e., human-nature
interactions) provided via DVD slideshows could produce changes in directed attention and affect in individuals receiving chemotherapy for head and neck cancer. Based on the theoretical frameworks of attention restoration theory (ART; R. Kaplan & S. Kaplan,
1989) and Ulrich’s (1983) psychoevolutionary framework (PET), it was anticipated that the restorative effects of natural restorative environments (REs) could be effective in reducing directed attention fatigue, affective manifestations of stress, and decrease symptom distress secondary to chemotherapeutic treatments. Methods: 5 participants (4 males, 1 female) with a primary diagnosis of head and neck cancer were included in the present study. DVD-based slideshows of REs were used as stimuli to produce green experiences in the home setting. Outcome measures: Data were collected using the Necker Cube Pattern Control test (NCPC), Zuckerman Inventory of Personal Reactions (ZIPERS), and Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS). Results: Results indicate high within subject and between subject variability for all measures. Measures of symptom distress were found to be highly variable across all subjects, but generally increased in a consistent fashion following chemotherapy. Conclusion: DVDs were successfully used in the “home setting” to transmit a green experience; however, further investigation is warranted to fully test the restorative potential of green experiences in this population.
Recommended Citation
Day, Adam M.B., "GREEN EXPERIENCES AND HEALTH IN INDIVIDUALS WITH HEAD AND NECK CANCER: ASSESSING CHANGES IN DIRECTED ATTENTION, AFFECT, AND SYMPTOM DISTRESS" (2008). Digitized Theses. 4342.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/4342