The therapeutic value of the sea and its impact on health and wellbeing

Abstract

This review paper synthesises the multiple theories and examines the important relationship that the sea and the coast have on the health and wellbeing of people. Through an analysis of the theories of ‘therapeutic landscapes’ and ‘attention restoration theory’, this study contributes to a better understanding of how much the contact with the sea can enable individuals to enjoy better psychological health from both international and local research. This paper also explores how the coastal environment has the potential to promote health through its connection with nature, through social interaction and through one’s nostalgic memories. Moreover, the coastal environment and the blue spaces are so valuable for people that when such spaces are lost, individuals feel a deep emotional loss. This study suggests the need for greater acknowledgment of people’s appreciation, emotions and shared connections with the sea since it enables them to experience multiple ways of increasing health and wellbeing. Therefore, it is important to recognise the valued therapeutic landscapes that different groups of individuals experience by the sea, and emphasise the need in preserving and protecting these natural spaces due to their universal benefits.