Intergenerational community
Project: An exploration of the perceived effect of intergenerational community coastal rowing on shared social identity and wellbeing
An exploration of the perceived effect of intergenerational community coastal rowing on shared social identity and wellbeing
Author: Mari Todd
Introduction – Social identity has been linked to improved health and wellbeing through enhanced self-esteem. Belonging to a group has been linked to increased resilience due to enhanced availability and uptake of social support. Meanwhile, being physically active is also associated with healthier lives and an increase in life expectancy, with some evidence that being active in blue space provides additional health benefits. Participants from two community rowing clubs on the Black Isle took part in quantitative and qualitative measures to assess the impact of coastal rowing on their community connection and wellbeing. Positive moderate correlations provided support for the link between social identity and wellbeing, physical health, group efficacy, and social support received. Photo elicitation was used during one-to-one interviews which were thematically analysed using an iterative approach to interpret the data into five themes: Dùthchas, Self-concept, Belonging, Health and Transformation. The sense of belonging engendered had positive implications for enhanced connection between people and place, greater offer and uptake of social support, improvements in wellbeing, and enhanced pro-social behaviour creating active, engaged, and resilient rural communities.