Rocky Shores: From Perceived Habitat Threat to Marine Awareness and Well-Being Benefits

...................................................................................................................... 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................. 5 LIST OF TABLES .......................................................................................................... 10 LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................ 12 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................... 15 AUTHOR’S DECLARATION ...................................................................................... 16 CHAPTER 1 – General Introduction & Context ......................................................... 20 1.1 Rocky Shores: An Introduction ................................................................................. 21 1.2 Rocky Shores: Societal Importance ........................................................................... 23 1.3 Rocky Shores: Anthropogenic Stressors ................................................................... 25 1.4 An Integrative Approach to Rocky Shores ............................................................... 29 CHAPTER 2 – Psychological Impacts of Experiencing the Coast ............................. 33 2.1 Health and Well-Being Benefits of Nature ................................................................ 34 2.1.1. Physiological Benefits ............................................................................................. 35 2.1.2. Psychological Benefits ............................................................................................ 36 2.1.3. The Research Paradigm ........................................................................................... 37 2.1.4. Theoretical Explanation .......................................................................................... 38 2.1.5. Types of Nature Exposure ....................................................................................... 39 2.1.6. Visit Characteristics and Individual Differences ..................................................... 41 2.1.7. Type of Nature Environment ................................................................................... 44 2.1.8. Summary & Conclusion .......................................................................................... 48 2.2 Marine Awareness ....................................................................................................... 49 2.2.1. The Concept of Marine Awareness ......................................................................... 49 2.2.2. The Public’s Level of Marine Awareness ............................................................... 51 2.2.3. Sources of Information ............................................................................................ 53 2.2.4. Summary & Conclusion .......................................................................................... 56 2.3 Thesis Preview ............................................................................................................. 57