At the recent SAASTEC 2024 conference, OAD’s Dominic Vertue hosted an “Astronomy in Mental Health” workshop. This session served as a pilot to explore how astronomy-inspired activities, such as a cosmic journey using a roll of toilet paper, can open doors for broader reflections on mental health and well-being. By engaging participants in a tactile and immersive experience, the workshop demonstrated how science can foster not only curiosity but also meaningful conversations about mental health. Held at the Cape Town Science Centre, the session attracted 11 participants, including staff and directors from various science centres. This diverse group provided valuable insights into how such activities could be adapted and integrated into science outreach initiatives.
Developed collaboratively by the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) and the Office of Astronomy Outreach (OAO), the workshop sought to empower participants with tools to conduct an astronomy-inspired activity enriched with elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The goal was to create a learning experience that also encouraged personal reflection and emotional growth.
The activity used the vastness of the universe as a metaphor for human experiences, combining the awe of exploration with prompts for introspection. However, as the workshop unfolded, it became clear that weaving ACT concepts seamlessly into the narrative required refinement.
To address this, Dominic adapted the session on the spot, integrating reflective narratives that resonated more naturally within the flow of the activity. For instance:
- Like the CMB (Cosmic Microwave Background), we carry moments from our past that continue to shape us, but with time, we often see them differently, sometimes less intense and more manageable. Just as this ancient light has transformed, we, too, can reflect on past experiences in a new light, understanding their impact without being overwhelmed by them.
- Is there something that you think made you change a lot in the way you think or feel? Who has influenced your life the most? How do you think you have impacted other people?
- Has there ever been a time when you thought something was going wrong, but it turned out to be a good thing? When was the last time you changed your mind about something? What made you shift your perspective (e.g., new evidence, hearing different perspectives, new experiences, etc.)?
The other narratives (You can still see the initial structure in the trainer guide) were left out, rather opting to have a more open discussion with the participants. By simplifying the discussion and prioritizing natural engagement, we created a space where participants felt more comfortable exploring these concepts.
Following the activity, we transitioned into an open discussion, complemented by a brief overview of mental health concepts, ACT principles, and the unique role of astronomy in facilitating mindfulness. Astronomy, with its capacity to ground us in the present moment, proved to be a powerful medium for connecting scientific wonder with emotional awareness.
Outcomes
While the session successfully demonstrated the potential for astronomy to contribute to mental health discussions, it also revealed areas for improvement and avenues for future work:
- Coherent Narrative: The trainer’s guide requires revisions to ensure that ACT concepts flow naturally through the activity rather than feeling like separate, reflective pauses.
- Participant Resources: Feedback emphasized the need for additional materials, such as literature on mental health, ACT fundamentals, and evidence supporting astronomy’s relevance to well-being.
- Science Centre Integration:
- Activities should be self-sustaining, akin to interactive exhibits, to minimize reliance on facilitators.
- Science centres could serve as hubs for teacher training, empowering educators to implement these activities with their students, thereby maximizing impact.
Conclusion
The workshop resonated with the participants, illustrating how science centres can extend their outreach to include mental health dimensions. While some attendees expressed hesitance about adopting such activities, the session highlighted opportunities for partnerships and scalable implementation strategies.
Moving forward, refining the narrative, enhancing the resource materials, and adapting the activity for broader, independent use will be essential. By addressing these areas, we can ensure that astronomy for mental health becomes a versatile and impactful tool in science communication and education.
This workshop reinforced the idea that science outreach can be more than an educational endeavour. It can also be a space for growth, connection, and well-being. Through continued collaboration, we can inspire both awe and introspection, using the universe as a lens to better understand ourselves.