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Mental movements: How long‐distance walking influences reflection processes among middle‐age and older adults
Author(s) -
Mau Martin,
Nielsen Dorthe S.,
Jakobsen Ida Skytte,
Klausen Søren H.,
Roessler Kirsten K.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.743
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1467-9450
pISSN - 0036-5564
DOI - 10.1111/sjop.12721
Subject(s) - liminality , transformational leadership , psychology , personal space , reflection (computer programming) , social psychology , social distance , construal level theory , aesthetics , computer science , medicine , philosophy , disease , covid-19 , pathology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , programming language
By providing a distinctive room for reflection, long‐distance walks can help people similar to professional counselling. To understand reflection processes’ influence on mental health, a framework focusing on personal transformations, specifically through the concept of liminality, can be used. Through nine semi‐structured interviews with middle‐aged and older long‐distance walkers, this study answers the following question: How do middle‐aged and older adults experience long‐distance walking, and how do their experiences influence their reflective process? Four themes emerged during the analysis: (1) overcoming strain and achieving a sense of capability; (2) simplicity in obligations and having the time to pursue emotionally difficult experiences; (3) solitariness and reflection on oneself; and (4) calmness and embracing thoughts. These findings illustrate how going on long‐distance walks may be similar to entering a liminal, or transformational, space. The findings show how long‐distance walks can be helpful, or perhaps even therapeutic, in situations where personal transformation is required.