Sunley, Emma (2026) Dark skies, bright lives: An exploration of how engagement with dark skies can promote a positive sense of well-being within an international dark sky reserve in the United Kingdom. Masters thesis, York St John University.

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Abstract

Having a positive sense of well-being means living a fulfilled, meaningful, and contented life, which significantly contributes to overall health. However, it has been affected by the fast pace of modern life and a recent global pandemic. In parallel, we are witnessing a climate crisis, including a rapid rise in light pollution, a major threat to the natural world and our relationship with it. However, there is strong evidence that immersion in nature benefits well-being through its restorative and stress-relieving properties, especially within protected spaces such as national parks. Despite the positive link between nature and well-being, research remains limited on how people engage with dark skies as part of nature in national parks and how this engagement can positively impact well-being. Through bringing together the theory of nature connectedness with the positive psychology PERMA model (Seligman, 2011), a novel conceptual approach explores eudaimonic well-being. This research, based in the North York Moors National Park, United Kingdom, one of only 25 internationally recognised dark sky reserves, explores the connection to nature in a dark sky context through the public engagement programme of dark sky festivals. Sensory ethnography is applied to recognise the significant role of the senses in dark sky engagement, to understand how non-verbal behaviours form connections with nature, and to explore sensations of well-being. Interpretive analysis suggests that sensory changes in nocturnal environments enable participants to form new and exciting connections with darkness. The findings suggest national parks and dark sky zones should promote dark sky festivals as valuable nature-based leisure activities for well-being. The research recommends extending the emerging trend of prescribing nature for health and well-being to dark sky settings and highlights the urgent need to improve access to dark skies for those living in light-polluted areas.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Status:	Published
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
School/Department:	York Business School
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/15235

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