Applying Attention Restoration Theory to Understand and Address Clergy’s Need to Restore Cognitive Capacity

Gill, Chelsea; Packer, Jan; Ballantyne, Roy

doi:10.1007/s10943-018-0571-9

Cited by 15 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 63 publications

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“…As proposed by Kaplan et al [ 58 ], nature can help with the restoration of our mental and attentional capacity, especially when the mind is perceptually overloaded by thoughts. It is known that an environment that facilitates effortless attention and a quiet mind is therapeutic [ 59 , 60 ]. Choosing an ecovillage in the countryside as a setting for the intervention was therefore believed to be important.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Therapeutic Nature Activities: A Step Toward the Labor Market for Traumatized Refugees

Poulsen

Pálsdóttir

Christensen³

et al. 2020

IJERPH

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Background: Globally, the number of refugees is growing. For many refugees, entering the labor market in their new country of residence is challenging. Some remain forever dependent on welfare services, and this not only weakens their chances of integration, but also harms their health and well-being. Methods: This qualitative single case study focused on a group of war-stricken refugees in Denmark. The study investigated the impact of an eight-month horticultural vocational program aimed at improving their ability to complete an education program or to work. A total of 29 interviews were conducted and analyzed using the interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) method. Results: The natural environment in the eco-village evoked a feeling of safety as well as positive memories in the participants, in contrast to the traumatic memories they had of their flight. Horticultural activities and the positive and respectful attitude from staff initiated a recovery process. New skills were achieved at an individual pace, and feelings of isolation decreased. These findings can be implicated in future interventions.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Therapeutic Nature Activities: A Step Toward the Labor Market for Traumatized Refugees

Poulsen

Pálsdóttir

Christensen³

et al. 2020

IJERPH

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“…Attention Restoration Theory has previously been applied to examine the causes and consequences of mental fatigue in clergy and offer practical interventions to restore cognitive wellbeing, with spiritual retreats being one suggestion (Gill, Packer & Ballantyne, 2018).…”

Section: Attention Restoration Theory (Art)mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The clergy face a unique working environment (Blaikie, 1979) and are particularly susceptible to mental fatigue (Gill, Packer & Ballantyne, 2018). They are expected to fulfil multiple professional roles such as preacher, ritualist, pastor, teacher and administrator (Carroll, 2006), as well as handle conflict, allocate resources and disseminate information (Kuhne & Donaldson, 1995).…”

Section: Clergy Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…and the challenges of fitting in with a congregation and managing difficult personalities (Hill, Darling & Raimondi, 2003). Such stressors can not only increase clergy's mental fatigue but also limit their opportunities for mental recovery and restoration (Gill, Packer & Ballantyne, 2018). The consequences of directed attention fatigue include inappropriate responses to situations, a greater likelihood of making errors, feeling irritable, being easily distracted and unable to focus attention, as well as being unable to solve problems (Staats, Kieviet & Hartig, 2003).…”

Section: Clergy Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The simplicity and quietness of a retreat fosters reflective activity and thus enhances wellbeing (Norman & Pokorny, 2017). Because retreats are usually held in a quiet setting away from normal routine and responsibilities, they provide opportunities for eudemonic leisure (Smith & Diekman, 2017), learning, training and reflection (Norman & Pokorny, 2017), personal transformation and development (Heintzman, 2013;Schutte & Dreyer, 2006) as well as restoration (Ouellette et al, 2005;Gill, Packer & Ballantyne, 2018).…”

Section: Chapter 4: Manuscript Three -Spiritual Retreats As a Restoramentioning

confidence: 99%

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Essays exploring the restorative potential, experiences and outcomes of spiritual retreats

Gill¹

Self Cite

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Spiritual retreats have a long history within various religious traditions, and in the twenty-first century also offer a potentially valuable experience to a much wider audience. Opportunities to get away from the busyness of life to rest, relax and restore balance are sought by individuals from many walks of life. Spiritual retreats involve separating from everyday life and entering a new temporary experience that enables restoration, transformation, healing, renewal and personal development. Technological advances and the ever-increasing information overload in all spheres of life make it increasingly difficult to disconnect from technology and work, balance leisure time with competing demands, and actively maintain psychological health. One important aspect in this regard that is often taken for granted is the capacity to direct attention. This capacity is highly susceptible to fatigue but is vital if we are to function effectively. It is therefore important that individuals are able to recover cognitive capacity so they can not only navigate but flourish in their context. Attention Restoration Theory posits that spending time in a restorative environment facilitates recovery from directed attention fatigue. Restoration is increasingly being recognized as an important outcome of religious tourism experiences and there is an expanding body of literature demonstrating the potential of religious and spiritual tourism to positively influence wellbeing. There has been minimal empirical investigation, however, into the restorative experiences and benefits of spiritual retreats and there is a lack of practical recommendations for designing retreats that foster wellbeing outcomes. This thesis, consisting of three interconnected essays, draws on Attention Restoration Theory as the underpinning framework to explore the restorative potential, experiences and outcomes of spiritual retreats. The religious vocation provides an apt context for this research as annual spiritual retreats are often included as part of the clergy support structure. Clergy within four Christian denominations in Australia who attended one of 17 retreats during 2016 were invited to participate in the research. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using questionnaires before, at the conclusion of, and two weeks after the retreat to investigate if and how restorative outcomes occur and the factors that lead to immediate and continuing restorative outcomes. Follow-up interviews were also conducted with 30 participants to further explore the restorative experiences and outcomes of the retreat.

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Designing restorative landscapes for students: A Kansei engineering approach enhanced by VR and EEG technologies

Karaca,

Çakar,

Karaca

et al. 2024

Ain Shams Engineering Journal

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Applying Attention Restoration Theory to Understand and Address Clergy’s Need to Restore Cognitive Capacity

Cited by 15 publications

References 63 publications

Therapeutic Nature Activities: A Step Toward the Labor Market for Traumatized Refugees

Therapeutic Nature Activities: A Step Toward the Labor Market for Traumatized Refugees

Essays exploring the restorative potential, experiences and outcomes of spiritual retreats

Designing restorative landscapes for students: A Kansei engineering approach enhanced by VR and EEG technologies

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