“I now look forward to the future, by finding things from our past…”Exploring the potential of metal detector archaeology as a source of well-being and happiness for British Armed Forces veterans with mental health impairments

ABSTRACT

This article presents the results of a questionnaire-based survey of the perceived effects of metal detecting among British Armed Forces veterans with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and/or other diagnosed or undiagnosed psychological disorders. Although the qualitative analysis presented here is only a first step towards understanding its beneficial effects, the authors conclude that archaeological metal detecting can be regarded as having the potential to positively influence well-being and happiness for people suffering from mental health problems. The findings suggest that practitioners feel that metal detecting has a significantly positive and lasting effect on their health and well-being. A significant number of respondents feel that metal detecting has alleviated specific symptoms of their mental disorders (PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders). The key factors for the beneficial effect of metal detecting appear to be of a mental, sensory, physical and social nature. First and foremost, however, its beneficial effect seems to be deeply rooted in the fact that the participants interact with archaeological heritage.

KEYWORDS:

• Mental health
• therapy
• well-being
• public archaeology
• metal-detecting

Supplemental data

Supplemental data for this paper can be accessed here.

Acknowledgments

This paper, and the survey on which it is based, would not have been possible without the kind contribution of many people. We want to express our gratitude to the following individuals for ideas, guidance, help and critique, and for introducing us to the right people or giving us access to their forums or groups on Facebook: Richard ‘Dickie’ Bennett (Breaking Ground Heritage), Jason Massey (Detecting for Veterans), Ad Palmer (Hampshire History Hunters), Rob Carr (UK Metal Detecting), Sharon McLennan (Beyond the Beep Scotland Open Group), and Martin McConnell (Supporting Ex Forces Families with PTSD). We also want to express our sincerest gratitude to Marie Larsen for her insight and kind help.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Andres S. Dobat

Andres S. Dobat is a lecturer in archaeology and heritage studies at Aarhus University. His primary research interests include the exploration of the value of archaeology and heritage beyond historical narratives and the contribution of non-professionals in archaeology and public engagement with cultural heritage – not least metal detectorists.

Sultan Oruc Wood

Sultan Oruc Wood is a student in Sustainable Heritage Management at Aarhus University with a particular interest in the social dimension of archaeology and heritage. She is currently writing up her master thesis, which is about the social values and positive effects of engaging with archaeology.

Bo Søndergaard Jensen

Bo Søndergaard Jensen works as a psychiatrist at the clinic for PTSD and anxiety under the Central Denmark Region. With a background as Sergeant First Class in the Danish Defense, his main focus is on treatment and rehabilitation of armed forces veterans with mental health impairments.

Sören Schmidt

Sören Schmidt is professor in applied psychology at the Hochschule Fresenius, University of Applied Sciences. Among his research interest are developmental psychopathology of children and young adults as well as theoretical and methodological aspects of psychological assessment and diagnosis.

Armin S. Dobat

Armin S. Dobat is a marketing consultant with a background in psychology and a special expertise in psychological assessment through online questionnaires and surveys.