Friday 24 July 14:00 - 15:30

Hall: 22 - Room 19

Division: Division 8: Health Psychology

This symposium showcases the significance of the research relating to Health and Well-Being, recent Advances Relating to individual and planetary health


Sonia Lippke's study from Germany, using a mixed-methods design, assesses the interconnected benefits of physical activity (community gardening and other physical activities) and social engagement in reducing loneliness and improving mental health in students. Quantitative measures examine the adoption rates, perceived value, and mental health outcomes of community gardening and other activities, while qualitative insights provide depth to the understanding of students' experiences. By bridging physical activity, social connection, and nature, this study offers a holistic approach to improving student mental health.


Cong Zhang presents a study with participants from China and Germany, who underwent stress induction and/or self-regulation training (ROC-T) in a 2×2 design, with outcomes assessed via behavioral measures and drift-diffusion modeling. ROC-T reduced unhealthy food choices in China, while effects in Germany were subtler and emerged mainly under stress. Cognitive modeling revealed Chinese participants integrating health information more slowly and those in Germany accelerating evidence accumulation under intervention—highlighting a moderation of intervention effects under stress.


Claudio Nigg's study from Switzerland explores a positive global urban health concept which posits that climate action, biodiversity conservation, preserving the environment and human well-being is all connected to sustainable physical activity. Sustainable physical activity is conceptualized as both a determinant and an outcome in the promotion of these global issues. What implications this concept has on interventions across social ecological levels are discussed. This is presented in the context of an EU project incorporating 4 mid-sized cities (GoGreenNext).


Giovanna Calogiuri explored how the seasonal theme and timing of exposure to Immersive Virtual Nature (IVN) affect psychological outcomes in university students. While IVN generally improved well-being and nature connectedness regardless of the season depicted, stress reduction was significantly greater in early spring than in early autumn, suggesting some seasonal variation in response.


Finally, a general discussion is collectively reflecting on the different studies and new directions in applied psychology that integrate theory, innovation, and practice to address complex challenges in individual and planetary health, and technology and connectedness.