Abstract:
The focus of the study is on restorative experiences and the relationship between these
experiences and psychological well-being. The variety of experiences that people
experience as restorative were explored, as well as how often these experiences
occurred.
A working definition were written since no generally accepted definition of restorative
experiences exists. A checklist with 22 categories of restorative experiences has also
been drawn up. Students completed psychological well-being questionnaires and the
results were used to form two groups: one with higher and one with lower levels of
psychological well-being. The two groups were compared in terms of the restorative
experiences present in their lives.
Nature emerged as the most popular restorative environment. Rest was the most
popular category with subcategories for sleep and holidays. Interpersonal contact was
also a popular category for both groups. The categories for eating and drinking and
activities that are damaging to the body showed important differences between groups
in terms of popularity and frequency. The group with the higher levels of psychological
well-being shows signs of a healthier lifestyle and they have a greater capacity to
postpone gratification. In addition, they show fewer signs of substance dependency,
fewer symptoms of psychological disorders and less avoidance than the group with the
lower levels of psychological well-being.
