1. FATTORI COMUNI Pubblicazioni/Autori
Slower breathing rate Brown and Gerbarg, 2005; Gilbert, 2003
INTRODUCTION reduces or inhibits body activity, restoring it Slower heart beat and Rubia, 2006; Neubauer et al. 2001; Rai et
(Cahn and Polich, 2006). On the other side oxygen consumption al.2008.
The vast majority of literature consider we have a reduction of cardiac sympathetic Cahn and Polich, 2006; Chouchou, 2009; Schipke
SCUBA diving a stress inducing activity, activity (SNS) (ChouChou et al. 2009) that Increased SNP activity ; decreased SNS and Pelzer, 2001.
unadvisable for people with a high tendency excites the body and is the primary vehicle Kjellgren et al. 2001; Nishimura and Onodera,
to anxiety (Morgan et al. 2004). This for "fight or flight" response. Muscolar tension reduction 2000; Dehdari et al. 2009
perspective doesn't underline the positive Secondly, through comparative analysis Increased perception of body Gargiuolo, 2002
psychological effects of diving, if practiced between SCUBA diving and meditation-bodily Proprioception development Tsang and Hui-Chan, 2003; Wong and Lan, 2008
within certain conditions. Actually, once techniques we notice important similarities Conscious breathing Kabat-Zinn, 1996
submerged, a series of bio-psycho- that back up the hypothesis that SCUBA Important biofeedback mechanisms
physiological mechanisms are involved and diving could induce a meditative-awareness postural/proprioceptive Meuret et al. 2004; Meuret et al. 2001
could result in a condition of well-being. state, thus promoting wellbeing. Meditation Tab. 1 Common factors between SCUBA diving and meditation/bodily techniques
Firstly, quoting Steven W. Porges Polivagal is essentially a phisiological state in which a
Theory, we would like to mention the reduced metabolic activity has been Up to date
importance of visceral state in the condition demonstrated. It induces mental and body
of wellness; the existance of bidirectional relaxation improving psychological balance 1. Predominant activation of PNS and decrease of SNS during SCUBA diving activity
comunication between peripherial organs and inducing emotional stability (Schimd et (Chouchou, 2009);
and central nervous system, between al. 2010). In meditation as well as in diving, 2. Relation between increased SNP and psychological states such as relaxation, rest,
psychological experience and physiological attention to respiration and body awareness emotional balance, self esteem development, threat buffer (Rubia, 2009; Lazar et al.
regulation (Porges, 2001; 2009). Several play a fundamental role (Brown and Gerbarg, 2000)
factors in SCUBA diving take part in 2005. Table 1 shows main common factors. 3. No study so far has put in relation diving with positive psychological effects
modulation of autonomous nervous system
activity. On one side we have an increase of
parasympathetic activity (SNP), that
corresponds to peaceful feelings, induces
psychological and physical relaxation and
OBJECTIVES AND HYPOTHESIS
Purpuse of the research was to investigate diving and psychological states.
In specific our hypothesis was that SCUBA diving, if practiced with proper training and
conditions, can promote psychological wellbeing and emotional balance.
METHOD AND MATERIALS
120 subjects were recruited in a holiday resort: 61 took part in SCUBA diving, (experimental group, mean age 41);
59 took part in other activities, but not SCUBA diving, (control group, mean age 40). There are no significant
differences between the two groups for interest variables at baseline. Psychological variables were evaluated using:
State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Spielberger, 1983); Profile Of Mood States (McNair et al., 1971); Five Facet
Mindfulness Questionnaire (Baer et al. 2006). measurements were done in 2 separate moments: upon arrival in
resort (Time 1) and the day before departure (Time 2) with a week interval between T1 and T2. 31% of partecipants
showed high levels of anxiety at T1 (trait anxiety score >39).Statistically significant differences between scores at T1
and T2 were calculated (T test for paired samples) and results obtained were compared between the two groups
(non-parametric test U, Mann-Whitney). In this way we were able to eliminate the "holiday effect". Groups were
eventually divided by gender for further independent analysis.
Fig. 1 and 2
Comparison between sub groups "anxious" with STAI- Trait scores >39 at first measurement (T1)
and after one week holiday (T2) for Mindfulness variables (divers +4.4%, controls -1.3%,
Tab.2) Comparison between groups (T2<T1) with U di Mann–Whitney test (** p <0,01; * p <0,05). Mann-Whitney U test p:o,oo1) and trait anxiety (divers -9.03%, controls -2.78%, U test p: o,oo5).
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION
People involved in SCUBA diving activities showed greater improvement of psychological state compared to those in the control group. After one week of diving, divers significantly reduced their anxiety
level: not only they now perceive fewer threats and respond with less intensity, they also show less tendency to anxiety. Furthermore, people that showed a high anxiety traits at baseline improve
significantly, opposite to control group that show no significant change. Indeed it seems that psychological changes occourring when diving not only affect the temporary state of the subject calming and
restoring body and mind, they affect permanent personality traits promoting deep transformation that leads to less tendency to anxiety, better response to situations and less chances of having a panic
attack. Finally, positive psychological effects on male divers on emotional balance; female divers and anxious sub-group on mindfulness, show the potential of such an activity for the quick achievment of
a weelness condition.
This preliminary experimental study aims to inroduce an innovative technique for the pursue of wellness. We suggest to consider this activity, if practiced in specific conditions, as a new way of
promoting wellbeing and developing ability to cope with different enviromental demands.
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