Research Proposal: Outdoor Physical Activity for Depressed Adults

This research proposal investigates the effectiveness of outdoor physical activity programs in improving the mental health status of adults with clinical depression. The study aims to identify the significance of outdoor activities, ascertain useful physical activities, and recommend strategies for mental health improvement. The proposal outlines a positivism research philosophy, a deductive approach, and a descriptive design, employing both primary and secondary data collection methods. Primary data will be gathered through semi-structured interviews with 10 participants selected via random sampling, and analyzed using a qualitative thematic approach. The literature review explores the use of clinical treatments and the effectiveness of outdoor activities, emphasizing the importance of addressing the gap in existing research. The proposal also addresses ethical considerations, reliability, validity, limitations, and dissemination plans. Key themes include eco-therapy and its benefits, with references to various studies and authors supporting the positive impact of physical activities on mental well-being.

Module Title: Research Studies
Option A: Research Proposal for Primary Data collection
Does an outdoor physical activity program improve the mental
health status of adults with clinical depression?

ABSTRACT
The present research study has been emphasizing on the importance of physical activities
program in improving the mental health status of adults with clinical depression. In this respect,
researcher has discussed how the state of depression can be managed with the help of conducting
outdoor physical activities. The present study entails the extent to which adults can reduce the
level of depression through undertaking outdoor physical activities. A positivism philosophy of
research has been proposed to be used by the investigator to carry out this study with assistance
of deductive research approach. Beside this, this study will reflect a descriptive designing with
both measures of data collection, namely primary and secondary. The primary data will be
collected from 10 participant respondents who have been chosen with help of random sampling
method and where a semi structured interview will be conducted to interview the respondents.
Also, the data will be analysed using qualitative method of analysis to acquire the anticipated
outcomes of this study. It has basically reflected a thematic analytical approach where the
attained findings are expected to assist the researcher in framing suitable themes.
You might have made it clearer why the problem is important and needs investigating.
KEY WORDS- Mental health status, adults’ depression, Outdoor physical activities

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE................................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................1
Aim and Objectives.....................................................................................................................1
Research question........................................................................................................................2
Study Rationale............................................................................................................................2
LITERATURE REVIEW........................................................................................................................2
Use of clinical treatment in improving mental health status of depressed adults........................5
Effectiveness of outdoor physical activities in improving mental health status..........................7
METHODOLOGY................................................................................................................................8
Research Philosophy....................................................................................................................9
Research Approach....................................................................................................................10
Research Design........................................................................................................................10
Sampling....................................................................................................................................11
Data Collection..........................................................................................................................11
Data Analysis.............................................................................................................................12
Ethical Issues.............................................................................................................................12
Reliability and validity...............................................................................................................13
RESEARCH LIMITATIONS................................................................................................................13
Dissemination................................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................15

TITLE
“Does an outdoor physical activity program improve the mental health status of adults
with clinical depression”?
INTRODUCTION
Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms that
shows that depression is affecting the mental health status of an individual. Depression is a major
risk factor for suicide and the deep despair and hopelessness that goes along with depression can
make the person attempt suicide. In the case mental health state, people usually complain of
headaches, stomach-aches and other physical pain. However, in the study brief discussion is also
included about older adults who have issues related to depression. Thus, in this respect, older
adults tend to complain more about the physical rather than the emotional signs and symptoms of
depression. It has been observed that among adults, depression lasts for many years which affects
the mental health capacity of the individual. People with a typical depression experience a
temporary mood lift in response to positive events such as receiving good news or while out with
friends (Dobbins et. al, 2013).
The present research proposal seems to be beneficial as that includes detailed information
about contribution of physical activities in treating adults (with clinical depression). In the
subsequent proposal, discussion has been included about all the methods which are available
with the adults while experiencing clinical depression (Simmonds and et.al., 2014). Depression is
a state that is caused by several reasons; hence in the present research proposal all such reasons
have been discussed that leads to depression among adults. The research proposal holds more
importance because it specifies how a depressed person can get assistance through conducting
physical activities.
This reflected an important study where on comparing it to other similar studies, it has
been found that there exists a huge gap in all those researches carried to scrutinize the ways in
which one can improve the state of clinical depression. As a result, to which, this investigation
will greatly contribute in ascertaining the benefits of outdoor physical activities to improve the
mental status of adults suffering from depression (Dobbins et. al, 2013). Also, its importance is
excessively considerate due to the fact where depression is nowadays, creating a burdening effect
on the health of majority of adult individuals. For which, it is now considered to be an utmost

crucial agenda to determine ways of preventing it that will be done by this proposed research
work.
What have others said about the use of outdoor physical activity to address depression? You
might introduce some of their work here.
Aim and Objectives
Aim: To determine the effectiveness of outdoor physical activity program in improving the
mental health status of adults with clinical depression.
Objectives:
 To identify the significance of outdoor physical activities for adults facing depression
 To ascertain physical activities that are useful for mental health status
 To recommend strategies through which mental health status of depressed adults can
be improved.
Research question
Does an outdoor physical activity program improve the mental health status of adults
with clinical depression”?
Study Rationale
The rationale behind conducting present research is to investigate the level to which outdoor
physical activities make improvement in the mental health status of people or adults. It is
recognized as main issue because now problems among adults are increasing with the very high
pace regarding depression. It is main issue now adults face issue in ensuring proper balance in
their life which in turn may cause of depression among them. In this, report will shed light on the
manner through which adults can make enhance their mental health status by taking into account
the outdoor physical activities. The research study projected with the help of this proposal will be
carried out to focus upon the adults who are experiencing more number of issues due to
depression. Along with this, a principal focus will also be laid on the role of physical outdoor
activities in managing the state of depression among adults. Along with this, researcher will also
emphasize on those social aspects that are associated with depression. In this way, various
research studies will be reviewed that are based on adults suffering from the state of depression.
As per the research background, focus has been laid on the use of outdoor physical activities in
improving the mental health status of adults (having depression) (Eldredge et.al., 2016). This
study will consider the opinion of different authors such as Dobbins, Eldredge and Fredriksen-

Goldsen, have been considered to state the importance of physical activities in managing the
state of clinical depression among adults. Along with Fredriksen-Goldsen et.al., 2014, there are
several other authors like Simmonds et.al., who have provided their view in context to the above
specified clauses in the year 2014. This presented a contrasting opinion of the authors about the
subject matter where they have conferred their distinct views and ideas. Such contrasting
standpoints have been taken into consideration over here to adequately involve all aspects of the
study in the research work.
LITERATURE REVIEW
In order to assess the extent to which physical activity program helps in improving the mental
health status of adults several books, journals and scholarly articles are evaluated. To get
appropriate articles several key words have been used such as physical activity programs and
mental health status of adults etc. The rationale behind making selection of such key words is to
ascertain relevant articles that furnish information about the extent to which outdoor physical
activity helps in making improvement in the mental status. Hence, by considering the articles,
journals and abstract presented by the other researchers has been used to do literature in an
effectual way. The main strength of the present literature is that to prepare latest articles have
been evaluated by the researcher that is highly associated with the physical activity program.
However, on the critical note, it can be stated that, in this, mixed evaluation has not been done by
the scholar. In this, researcher has not included the findings of articles that are published before
the period of 2010. Nevertheless, the rationale behind considering the latest sources is that they
help in presenting the suitable or reliable view of study. By doing analysis of secondary data
sources such as books, journals and articles it has found that previously scholars have talked
about the physical activity program but failed to support the same with mental health of adults
who are facing the situation of clinical depression. Hence, by assessing such gap issue or topic
has been selected by the scholar. The main themes that have assessed through online search
strategy implies for outdoor physical activity and its association with the mental health status of
people.

Theme1: Overview or brief introduction of outdoor physical activity
Christie and Cole (2017) have stated that eco-therapy is a concept in which a range of
nature based programmes are included that supports the wellbeing of a mental health patient.
This has been included since eco-therapy is one of the interventions under physical activities.
The therapy is also useful for enhancing patient’s mental capacity. It has been observed that Eco-
therapy can improve mental health through providing an alternative perceptive on life. It also
helps the mind and body to relax which assists the adults to reduce the level of depression
prevailing in the mind as stated by Rubin and Babbie (2016). More physical activities are
involved in eco-therapy wherein adults are more involved in social contact with people as
mentioned by Simmonds et.al., 2014. This assist them to reduce loneliness and at the same time,
it boosts self- esteem of the person. Being surrounded by nature, the use of therapy can boost the
overall mood and sense of wellbeing as professed by Nauert (2013).
It is an apparent aspect that dealing with nature aids a person to improve the health status;
hence in such respect physical activities are being emphasized on greater extent. There are
several reasons for which outdoor activities are considered as important such as it aids the patient
to heal faster. As per the research done by Nauert (2013), it is evident that focusing on physical
activities can aid a person to improve the health status; hence most often practitioners
recommend for the same. At the same time, it is also ascertained that because of physical
activities, a person can improve the health aspects in the best possible way.
To carry out the literature search process; researcher has emphasized on different sources such as
articles, books and journals to shed light on the importance of physical outdoor activities on
depressed adults. In this respect books of (Fillenbaum, 2013), (Sarafino and Smith, 2014) and
(Strine et.al., 2015) have been considered to collect appropriate data about the subject matter.
This has also helped in analysing the concept of appropriate practices in dealing with the state of
depression.
The main theoretical perspectives that are contained in the literature is the importance of
physical activities in improving mental health status of adults with depression. In this respect,
researcher will also focus on all those activities that are important for making the patients feel
more motivated and encouraged. Secondary data is the major resource through which researcher
completed the section of literature review; thus, according to such aspect it can be said that
opinions of authors were extremely helpful for the subsequent study (Dobbins, etal, 2013). For

instance- studies done by previous authors have helped the researcher in collecting specific data
about the subject matter. This is useful in ascertaining information about the contribution of
physical activities in improving mental status of adults. Previous studies have made it clear that
physical activities are vital in improving the mental health status of depressed adults. However,
on the other hand, there were several literatures which focused on clinical treatment more to
improve the mental health aspects of patients (Strine et.al., 2015).
The process of literature search will be conducted with the help of analysing different
cases, studies, research work, books and journals. This will come under the category of
secondary search in which different sources will be utilized for completing the research work.
The study conducted by Strine (2015) has many strengths like it would assist the researcher to
identify the mental health status of adults suffering depression from many grounds. However, on
the other hand, the main weakness of the study is that it does not define how the person can be
prevented from depression through physical and outdoor activities. The research work seems to
be similar with other authors as well because other studies are also depicting the importance of
physical and outdoor activities for adults facing clinical depression. Apparently, many research
work and studies have developed yet which emphasizes on contribution of physical activities for
depressed adults. However, in this context the present proposal is also defining about the
importance of physical activities in improving the mental health status of adult’s issues of
depression among adults
Nearly a one fifth of adults in the UK experience anxiety or depression wherein there is a
higher proportion of women who suffers from this condition (Dobbins et al, 2013). As per the
research study, 19% of people aged under 16 years or above faces depression in which 21% are
women. Hence, it can be said that women are facing more depression as compared to men more
than 16%. In UK, people who are living separately from their parents’ experience depression on
higher extent and they also have moderate symptoms of mental ill health. Due to this, they prefer
to undergo for clinical treatment wherein they get recommendation to indulge in physical
activities. Hence, there is one thing common that is suggested by every practitioner and that is
physical activities for relieving mental depression. In this respect, behavioural activation is also
recommended as a treatment option for patients with depression.
The study conducted by Bushak (2013), is quite essential for the researcher for
addressing the issues that are faced by depressed adults at the time of undertaking clinical

treatment. Current facts and figures have been identified in the study to ascertaining the degree
of accuracy about the subject matter. Although, several gaps were there in the literatures; but that
did not affect the suitability of the study (Bushak, 2013).
It has been stated that to overcome the level of depression and anxiety among the
individual it is essential for them to focus on the performing physical exercises that it assists in
improving numerous of health-related issues and problems such as blood pressure or diabetes.
From the conducted research, it was investigated that physical movement or exercises improve
the circulation of blood within the body and improves the mood (Simmonds et.al., 2014). Along
with this regular exercise also assists in releasing the brain chemicals that may comfort the
depression level. Moreover, it also increases or raises the individual body temperature that
support them in becoming active. Besides, improving the individual mood regular and
continuous physical exercise also benefit the individual towards protecting them against the
cardiovascular diseases and even enhances their self-esteem level (Nauert, 2013).
Over the years there has been an intensive research conducted on the arena of quality of
life, especially in the case of adults. It has been opined by Dobbins et.al., (2013), that various
statements have been issued in geriatrics as well as there are increasing evidence on the point
that physical activity in outdoor spaces can be considered as one of the viable interventions for
enhancing the quality of life. However, Fillenbaum (2013), has noted that there are no specific
evidences which establish the precise change which is undertaken inside the body to account for
the amendment in the quality of life. In accordance to one of the surveys conducted on different
set of adults suffering from varied ailments it was found that going through a minimum of 40
minutes’ session of outdoor exercise, did bring about a change in their suffering level. With the
assistance of the finding, it could be demonstrated that the exercise therapy has the capacity to
pose beneficial effects on the performance of people who were going through the mental
disabilities. As stated by Eldredge et.al., (2016), the quality of life is one of the most critical
component in the health of an individual. It has been observed that about 75 percent of the
population of Europe requires to re-connect with the nature, and undertake some physical
exercises outside the gym.
This has been identified to be one of the significant factors initiating a change in the
people suffering from the issue of depression. With the assistance of the exercises one can fight
depression, as it is capable of stimulating changes in the brain, which is inclusive of neural

growth as well as reduces inflammation. It has been specifically noted by Simmonds et.al.,
(2014), that undertaking of physical activities release endorphins, and other related chemicals
which have the potential to energize the brain and make the person feel better. Moreover, it is
one of the best ways of distraction, and allows a person to take a break from the chain of
negative thoughts and environment which is the primary cause of depression.
Theme 2: Use of clinical treatment in improving mental health status of depressed adults
Some of the studies greatly emphasized on clinical treatments; hence this shows that up
to some extent, natural therapies and clinical treatment both works for patients suffering from
depression. This is for instance to discourse upon such one study conducted by Nauert (2013.
Thus, with this description, it is evident that used literatures have some strengths and some
weaknesses too. Some of the literature were similar; however somewhere were totally different;
but as per the feasibility aspects, researcher has made use of varied articles. In terms of
differences, Meyer et al, (2014) have stated that when adults are in depression, they feel more
isolated and even physical activities does not work during that time. However, most of the health
care practitioners argued that focusing on physical activities diverts the mind of adults and keeps
them positive about their life (Sarafino and Smith, 2014).
The particular research work of Sarafino and Smith (2014) will be considered in the
present proposal study because the content is highly appropriate according to the subject matter.
Further, the content has also shown critical approaches of the topic; therefore, it is being
considered in the present study. Several previous research works have been used in the study;
however, with the help of thorough analysis, various new aspects related to the research work
have been identified certainly. Thus, it can be said that there are several gaps in the literature
which have been properly addressed in the current study. Comparing all the studies, done by
different researchers and authors, it has been identified that all the studies are crucially focusing
on importance of outdoor activities in overcoming the state of depression from adults with a
special context of the study carried out by Sallis and et.al. (2012). Focusing on various studies
helps the researcher to analyse how mental status of adults can be improved through carrying out
physical activities. At the same time, assessing all such studies are also useful because that gives
detailed data about the effective clinical treatment which improves mental status of adults. In
order to prepare the current proposal, varied studies have taken into account; therefore, it is clear
that physical outdoor activities are useful in improving the mental status of the patients.

As per several researches done by Sallis and et.al. (2012), it has been identified that
taking a walk-in nature can reduce depression of around 71% of participants. Researchers have
also compared the effect with a control group who also take walk but in different ways. Thus, as
per the comparison adults suffering depression should walk and run frequently so that to reduce
the ill impacts of the disorder. Recent studies have shown that exercise can treat mild to
moderate depression as effectively as antidepressant medication (). In this regard, it has been
observed that exercise is a powerful depression fighter for several reasons and most importantly
it promotes all kinds of changes in the brain including neural growth, reduced inflammation and
feelings of calm and well-being. The entire discussion has been stating about different ways
through which the state of depression can be managed. This supports the present literature by
stating that physical activities can aid the person to distract the mind-set and also to get involved
in healthy lifestyle. Therefore, it can be said that natural remedies are typically useful through
which a person can fight against depression.
Adults who have issues related to clinical depression must undergo with proper treatment
so that their mental capability and lifestyle can get changed. In addition to the same, adults
should also emphasize on bring health schedule so that they can enhance their life cycle.
Exercise or physical activities will not only assist in improving health dimensions; but also, it
will aid the person to remain fit (Fillenbaum, 2013). Moreover, this can also contribute in
switching towards a healthy life. Along with the same, health standards can also be enhanced.
For adults (suffering from clinical depression), exercise is a nature and effective anti-
anxiety treatment as it relives tension and stress. At the same time, it also boosts physical and
mental energy and encourages wellbeing of the person through the release of endorphins. It has
also been analysed that counsellors prescribe physical activities for mental health patients
because it serves as a distraction and allows the person to find some quiet time to break out the
cycle of negative thoughts that feed depression in mind. Exercise has long been recognized as an
effective tool for those who face problems due to depression (Fredriksen-Goldsen et.al., 2014).
However, most of the studies do not differentiate between indoor and outdoor physical
activities. Environmental context is a classic confounding variable that, when controlled, can
help the adults to clarify the exact problem that is being faced by the person (Eldredge et.al.,
2016). Mind and body both are closely linked to each other; therefore, exercise and other
activities can help the person’s body to feel better with the mind. Physical activity immediately

boosts the brain’s dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels which assist the person to
focus more on attentive aspects (Dobbins et al, 2013).
Theme 3: Effectiveness of outdoor physical activities in improving mental health status
From the views of Fillenbaum (2013), it is identified that regular exercise can boost the
mood if the person has depression and it is especially useful for people with mild to moderate
depression. Regarding this, researchers say that more physically active people have greater
general feelings of excitement and enthusiasm as compared to less active people. Exercises are
very effective in reducing fatigue and at the same time it improves alertness and concentration.
This enhances overall cognitive function of the patient and as a result, patient feels better while
undertaking different exercises (Sarafino and Smith, 2014). When stress affects the brain, it
impacts the nerve connections and along with this, rest of the body also gets disturbed. As a
physical activity, exercise produces endorphins chemicals in the brain that act as a natural
painkiller. In this respect, Eldredge et.al., (2016), said that socializing is also important as that
helps the person to get involved somewhere. This is also essential in terms of diverting the mind
which is yet another source of emotional support and compassion. Most of the doctors and
practitioners recommend physical outdoor activities to adults (with depression) so that they may
not lose hope of living.
Along with this, physical activities are also important because that assists the person to
remain fit and strong which gives more physical strength (Strine et.al., 2015). Exercise improves
mental health by reducing anxiety, depression and negative mood and at the same time, it also
improves self- esteem and cognitive function (Simmonds et.al., 2014). Exercise has also been
found to alleviate symptoms such as low self-esteem and social withdrawal. It is especially
important in patients with schizophrenia as these patients are already vulnerable to obesity.
Additionally, they have other risks which are associated with antipsychotic treatment.
With the help of Simmonds’s study, it is being identified that physical activities like
walking and running are important for people especially who are depressed with different
reasons. Henceforth, to measure the outcome of several studies, researcher has applied the tool in
which it is being analysed that physical activities play crucial role in transforming the mood of
the depressed patients (Bushak, 2013). There is a direct association between physical activities
and mental health status of a person; hence considering the same thing, medical practitioners
usually recommend this sort of treatment to adults with clinical depression. In addition to the