What can blue do for you?

A research study that asked people with bipolar, schizophrenia or psychosis about their experiences of blue space and wellbeing.

What are blue spaces?

‘Blue spaces’ are usually defined as areas with visible bodies of water, for example rivers, lakes and seas.

Some people who participated in the study also connected blue spaces with other ideas such as blue skies or blue glass objects.

What were the aims of the study?

Previous research into blue spaces has focused on the benefits of living near blue spaces, as well as their benefits for people with depression and anxiety.

The study aimed to increase understanding about how accessing blue spaces intentionally can help people who experience, or have experienced, mental ill-health, in particular for those with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and psychosis.

The study also aimed to find out more about what helps or hinders access to blue spaces.

How was the study run and funded?

Leading the project was Dr Kim Wright and funding was provided by the U.K. Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as part of their Closing The Gap scheme, in partnership with the University of York.

Who was involved in the study?

19 participants with bipolar, schizophrenia or psychosis were interviewed about their relationship to blue space. They were then invited to contribute to designing an online resource with the aim of sharing their experiences and our findings.

What were the findings of the project?

The interviews were analysed by researchers and a range of common themes were identified which helped to shed light on the impacts of blue spaces on the participants’ sense of wellbeing.

In particular, blue spaces were described as having the potential to reset the mind, emotions and body. Participants felt this was helped by the way that spending time in blue spaces provides a peaceful break from the more socially stressful aspects of life. This was supported by a sense of connection to familiar blue spaces.

How have the findings been helpful?

The findings of the study, including pictures, poems and comments from the participants, have been used to create online resources to help others find ways to experience the benefits of blue spaces. This can be found at: Home > What blue can do for you (exeter.ac.uk).

The findings of this study and the recommendations of the participants help to provide more information about how access to blue spaces can be best used to support the wellbeing of people with a wide range of mental health difficulties.