Ornitherapy as “Stealth Health”: Supporting Student Well-Being One Bird at a Time

Presenter

Mikayla Marlee Dresser

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Caryn Brause, Department of Architecture, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 5, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A20, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 1 (A1-A20) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

This thesis explores birding as a “stealth health” technique to address health and well-being concerns in college-aged populations. “Stealth health” refers to an activity that fosters mental or physical wellness, without the direct intention of deliberately improving the individual’s health. While there is prior research published on the potential of using birding as a non-pharmaceutical treatment for mental health, this research explores the impacts of birding on the well-being of college students. This study employs a focus group methodology to engage with self-identified student birders to gain insights into an understudied population of birders. Focus group participants, will discuss how going birding has impacted their lives mentally, physically, socially, and academically. The subjects will consist of a combination of both undergraduate and graduate students who report going birding at least once every two weeks. The findings of this research may be valuable to student affairs practitioners concerned with enhancing students' well-being and campus planning professionals who are responsible for shaping campus environments.

Keywords

mental health , birds, stealth health , focus group, college students

Research Area

Mental Health

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