Initial findings from a large European study suggest scuba diving may contribute positively to mental well-being among young adults.
New research suggests scuba diving may support mental well-being and emotional resilience in young adults.
A new European research initiative is exploring whether scuba diving could help support mental health and emotional well-being among younger generations. Early findings from the Erasmus+-funded One Health Underwater project indicate that regular divers aged 18 to 29 report notably higher well-being indicators than broader European mental health trends.
The project is led by the French Federation for Underwater Studies and Sports (FFESSM), together with DAN Europe and HE2B, and combines research into health, sport, inclusion and environmental awareness.
Large international survey
The study surveyed 1,669 young divers in six languages using an extensive questionnaire based on recognised scientific well-being scales. Most respondents were active divers rather than occasional participants, with more than half diving at least once a month.
According to the preliminary results, a large majority of participants described themselves as active, calm, attentive and relaxed, while reports of tension and irritability remained comparatively low.
Researchers suggest the findings may be linked to several aspects of diving itself, including controlled breathing, immersion in nature, concentration, physical activity, social interaction and emotional regulation.
Beyond sport
Project organisers emphasise that the study is not simply about fitness or recreation. The broader aim is to examine whether diving could become part of structured health and well-being programmes, particularly for vulnerable young people.
Further research phases are planned, including longer-term monitoring of divers and analysis of physiological stress markers.
While the findings remain preliminary, they add to growing interest in how underwater environments and diving experiences may influence stress, mood and mental resilience.
For many divers, the conclusions may feel intuitively familiar. This project aims to place those experiences in a more formal scientific and public health context.
