Disability and Psychological Wellbeing: The University of Bologna Studies an Inclusive Beach Oasis

Spending seven days by the sea in an inclusive environment is enough to improve the wellbeing of people with severe disabilities and their caregivers. That’s the conclusion of a study conducted by the University of Bologna at La Spiaggia dei Valori (The Beach of Values) in Punta Marina (Ravenna). Created by the association Insieme a Te, the beach is designed to accommodate people with complete motor disability (such as tetraplegia) and/or those with advanced neurodegenerative diseases (such as ALS). It is a one-of-a-kind facility in Italy and a replicable model of inclusion at both national and international levels.

The study—Perceived Psychological Wellbeing and Restorativeness among Visitors to the Beach of Values—was led by Professor Francesca Agostini of the Department of Psychology “Renzo Canestrari.” The research measured mental health indicators for guests and caregivers throughout a one-week stay. The results show a clear improvement in psychological wellbeing and stress relief for both groups.

The facility features 18 dedicated, well-spaced stations covered by gazebos, as well as 12 umbrella-shaded spots. Guests benefit from the support of trained staff and young volunteers who assist them in accessing the sea. The beach also offers shared areas, fully accessible restrooms, spaces for volunteers, offices, and a multi-purpose room for recreational and public awareness activities. The stay is free of charge.

A total of 232 participants took part in the study, including people with disabilities, caregivers, and volunteers. Using internationally validated instruments (such as WHO-5, PANAS, and PRS), the research team found a significant increase in psychological wellbeing and a decrease in negative emotions (p < 0.005) across all groups.

“Our data also show improved emotional regulation and a sense of restorative escape, which scientific literature often associates with exposure to natural environments—what are referred to as green and blue spaces” explains Professor Agostini.

The concept of restorativeness—the ability of an environment to help people recover emotional and cognitive resources—was central to the research. Participants described the Beach of Values as “relaxing, welcoming, familiar, and appealing,” with particularly high levels of restorativeness reported both by family caregivers, who are often under chronic stress, and by returning guests who had visited the beach the year before.

The study reinforces the regenerative potential of nature-based interventions, which are increasingly recognized by the WHO as effective tools for mental health promotion and prevention. But there’s more to it. “What makes the Beach of Values so impactful is the combination of expert, highly specialized hospitality—giving individuals and their families a chance to reclaim moments of pleasure, relaxation, and meaningful social interaction—and the exposure to nature, which induces a highly regenerative and significant effect for the person wellbeing”, says Professor Agostini.

Founded in 2018 by the association Insieme a Te with the support of young volunteers—many of them new to social engagement—the beach became a permanent facility in 2024, following a 20-year concession. It is part of the regional project “In Emilia-Romagna There’s a Holiday for Me”, funded by the Emilia-Romagna Region through a grant from the Italian Presidency of the Council of Ministers – Ministry for Disabilities, under the National Fund for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities. Partner institutions include the Romagna Cancer Institute (IOR), the Romagna Local Health Authority (AUSL), the Nemo Clinical Centres, and the University of Bologna, which has granted official patronage.

“This project shows how research, care, and inclusion can come together to make a real impact,” says Maria Letizia Guerra, Delegate for Public Engagement at the University of Bologna.

Alongside the research, the University has launched internships for students in the education and healthcare fields, strengthening ties between academia, the community, and social engagement.

The research continues. A multidisciplinary team led by Professor Marco Cesare Maltoni, with the participation of Professor Agostini, is now working on a new project titled Well-being and Social Inclusion: The Experience of La Spiaggia dei Valori. A crowdfunding campaign is underway to support the project, which seeks to explore how non-pharmacological interventions can improve quality of life for vulnerable individuals and their caregivers, drawing inspiration from the beach experience.

The Beach of Values grew out of a personal story of resilience and commitment: it was born from the dream of Dario, who lives with ALS, and the determination of his wife Debora, their daughters, and friends to create a fully accessible bathing facility—especially for people with disabilities.

Each of the beach’s 18 dedicated stations is named after a core value upheld by the association Love, Faith, Solidarity, Listening, Generosity, Life, Resilience, Freedom, Care, Serenity, Collaboration, Friendship, Hope, Altruism, Commitment, Gratitude, Family, and Inclusion.