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Overbey TA, Diekmann F, Lekies KS. Nature-based interventions for vulnerable youth: a scoping review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2023; 33:15-53. [PMID: 34758663 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2021.1998390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nature-based interventions hold promise for vulnerable youth experiencing mental, emotional, developmental, behavioral, or social difficulties. This scoping review examined wilderness therapy, animal assisted therapy, care farming, and gardening and horticultural therapy programs to raise awareness and guide future development of research and treatment options. Studies included in this review were identified through a systematic search of the literature informed by a scoping review framework. Studies were examined by design, sample, intervention, and key findings. The majority of studies were quantitative using repeated measures designs and were conducted primarily in the United States. Sample sizes were generally small. Interventions were residential and community based with varying degrees of duration. Outcomes were largely positive across a wide range of psychosocial and behavioral measures and often maintained post-treatment. We emphasize the importance of robust empirical designs, comprehensive description of the interventions and surrounding therapies, and identification of target groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey A Overbey
- University Libraries, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Florian Diekmann
- Food Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Library, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Kristi S Lekies
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Stea TH, Jong MC, Fegran L, Sejersted E, Jong M, Wahlgren SLH, Fernee CR. Mapping the Concept, Content, and Outcome of Family-Based Outdoor Therapy for Children and Adolescents with Mental Health Problems: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19105825. [PMID: 35627364 PMCID: PMC9141554 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19105825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Outdoor therapy and family-based therapy are suggested to be promising interventions for the treatment of mental health problems. The aim of the present scoping review was to systematically map the concept, content, and outcome of combining family- and outdoor-based therapy for children and adolescents with mental health problems. The Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA guidelines were applied. Eligible qualitative and quantitative studies were screened, included, and extracted for data. Seven studies were included. Findings from these studies indicated that family-based outdoor therapy programs have a positive impact on family- and peer relationships, adolescent behavior, mental health, self-perceptions (self-concept), school success, social engagement, and delinquency rates. However, participant characteristics, study design, and content and mode of delivery of the interventions varied substantially, hence preventing detailed comparison of outcomes across studies. In addition, most of the studies included few participants and lacked population diversity and comparable control groups. Although important ethical concerns were raised, such as non-voluntary participation in some of the programs, there was a lack of reporting on safety. This review indicates that a combination of family- and outdoor-based therapy may benefit mental health among children and adolescents, but due to the limited number of studies eligible for inclusion and high levels of heterogeneity, it was difficult to draw firm conclusions. Thus, future theory-based studies using robust designs are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonje H. Stea
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Sørlandet Hospital HE, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway; (S.L.H.W.); (C.R.F.)
- Department of Health and Nursing Science, University of Agder, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway;
- Correspondence:
| | - Miek C. Jong
- National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), Department of Community Medicine, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway;
| | - Liv Fegran
- Department of Health and Nursing Science, University of Agder, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway;
| | - Ellen Sejersted
- The Library, University of Agder, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway;
| | - Mats Jong
- Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, 851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden;
| | - Sophia L. H. Wahlgren
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Sørlandet Hospital HE, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway; (S.L.H.W.); (C.R.F.)
| | - Carina R. Fernee
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Sørlandet Hospital HE, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway; (S.L.H.W.); (C.R.F.)
- Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, University of Agder, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway
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Bettmann JE, Kouris GM, Anderson IM, Casselman B. Wilderness as Healing Environment: Treating Adolescent Substance Misuse in Wilderness Therapy. PSYCHOANALYTIC STUDY OF THE CHILD 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/00797308.2020.1859270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Mai DL, Howell T, Benton P, Bennett PC. Beyond puppy selection—considering the role of puppy raisers in bringing out the best in assistance dog puppies. J Vet Behav 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Mygind L, Kjeldsted E, Hartmeyer R, Mygind E, Bølling M, Bentsen P. Mental, physical and social health benefits of immersive nature-experience for children and adolescents: A systematic review and quality assessment of the evidence. Health Place 2019; 58:102136. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Norton CL, Tucker A, Farnham-Stratton M, Borroel F, Pelletier A. Family Enrichment Adventure Therapy: A Mixed Methods Study Examining the Impact of Trauma-Informed Adventure Therapy on Children and Families Affected by Abuse. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2019; 12:85-95. [PMID: 32318182 PMCID: PMC7163833 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-017-0133-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Child abuse is epidemic in the United States and has dire long-term consequences. Innovative interventions are needed to address the negative cognitive, affective and behavioral effects of child abuse. This mixed-method study examined if adventure therapy is 1) an effective mental health intervention for child and adolescent survivors of abuse and neglect, and 2) an effective intervention for families affected by abuse and neglect. The effectiveness of the adventure therapy intervention was measured by a reduction in child trauma symptoms and improved family functioning, as reported via the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC), the Family Assessment Device (FAD), as well as qualitative data gathered via family focus groups. Findings showed that trauma-informed adventure therapy with youth and families affected by abuse reduces trauma symptomology in youth and improves family functioning, particularly in the areas of communication, closeness and problem-solving skills.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anita Tucker
- University of New Hampshire, Social Work, Durham, USA
| | | | | | - Annette Pelletier
- Austin Women and Children’s Shelter, Austin, USA
- Discovery Ranch for Girls, Cedar City, Utah USA
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Kamal L, Strand J, Jutengren G, Tidefors I. Perceptions and Experiences of an Attachment-Based Intervention for Parents Troubled by Intimate Partner Violence. CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK JOURNAL 2017; 45:311-319. [PMID: 29187766 PMCID: PMC5684306 DOI: 10.1007/s10615-016-0606-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
It is known that intimate partner violence (IPV) negatively affects both parental capacity and children's well-being, but few studies have focused on the experiences of those taking part in family interventions focused on IPV. In this study, 26 parents (16 mothers and 10 fathers) with a history of IPV participated in focus groups concerning their attachment-based group intervention experience in the program Parenting and Violence. The transcripts, subjected to thematic analysis, showed that participants experienced the intervention as supportive and confirming of their role as parents. Parents described feeling more in control, more self-confident, more skilled in communicating, and more able to provide security for their children. However, they also expressed a need for continuing support to maintain their improved parenting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana Kamal
- Academy of Care, Working Life, and Social Welfare, University of Borås, 501 90 Borås, Sweden
| | - Jennifer Strand
- Academy of Care, Working Life, and Social Welfare, University of Borås, 501 90 Borås, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Box 500, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Göran Jutengren
- Academy of Care, Working Life, and Social Welfare, University of Borås, 501 90 Borås, Sweden
| | - Inga Tidefors
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Box 500, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Descending from the Summit: Aftercare Planning for Adolescents in Wilderness Therapy. CONTEMPORARY FAMILY THERAPY 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10591-016-9375-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Enhancing Family Communication: Examining the Impact of a Therapeutic Wilderness Program for Struggling Teens and Parents. CONTEMPORARY FAMILY THERAPY 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10591-015-9371-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Tucker AR, Widmer MA, Faddis T, Randolph B, Gass M. Family Therapy in Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare: Current Practices and Future Possibilities. CONTEMPORARY FAMILY THERAPY 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10591-015-9370-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Fernee CR, Gabrielsen LE, Andersen AJW, Mesel T. Therapy in the open air: Introducing wilderness therapy to adolescent mental health services in Scandinavia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.15714/scandpsychol.2.e14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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The Role of Transport Use in Adolescent Wilderness Treatment: Its Relationship to Readiness to Change and Outcomes. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10566-015-9301-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Bettmann JE, Tucker AR, Tracy J, Parry KJ. An Exploration of Gender, Client History, and Functioning in Wilderness Therapy Participants. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/0886571x.2014.943554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Schreuder E, Rijnders M, Vaandrager L, Hassink J, Enders-Slegers MJ, Kennedy L. Exploring salutogenic mechanisms of an outdoor experiential learning programme on youth care farms in the Netherlands: untapped potential? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENCE AND YOUTH 2014; 19:139-152. [PMID: 24910490 PMCID: PMC4037846 DOI: 10.1080/02673843.2014.896267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explored how (learning) experiences offered through outdoor experiential programmes, particularly the youth care farm approach, may (or may not) enhance young peoples’ ability to recognise and then utilise available resources for personal growth, protection and health promotion. A total of 11 youngsters were asked to look back on their half-year stay on a care farm in the Netherlands, by using semi-structured interviews to elicit their experiences from a salutogenic perspective. Analysis revealed that several resources (and the interaction of these resources) on the youth care farm worked well for the youngsters; contributed to their personal development and to their sense of coherence: the feeling that the world is or can be meaningful, comprehensible and manageable, associated with positive outcome in endeavours linked to improving health and well-being. In general, the attitude of the farmer, working with animals, the informal atmosphere and being temporarily cut-off from the former environment were elements most positively highlighted by the youngsters. The farm environment was mentioned as calming, however, as structuring as well. The strength of the programme as an experiential learning opportunity appears to be the diversity and richness of resources (and stressors!) available to the participants. This creates various opportunities for learning: making sense, interpreting and giving meaning to resources and stressors. Further research into the impact of this kind of programmes, compared to more ‘traditional’ programmes, especially on the ability of youngsters to use resources to finish school, find employment and develop better relationships with their parents is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Schreuder
- Department of Psychology, Division of Clinical and Health Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mandy Rijnders
- Department of Psychology, Division of Clinical and Health Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lenneke Vaandrager
- Department of Social Sciences, Health and Society Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Hassink
- Plant Sciences Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marie-José Enders-Slegers
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Open University of The Netherlands (OUNL), Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Lynne Kennedy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Chester, Chester, UK
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Dolgin R. Into the Wild: A Group Wilderness Intervention to Build Coping Strategies in High School Youth Through Collaboration and Shared Experience. JOURNAL OF CREATIVITY IN MENTAL HEALTH 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/15401383.2013.864963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Margalit D, Ben-Ari A. The Effect of Wilderness Therapy on Adolescents’ Cognitive Autonomy and Self-efficacy: Results of a Non-randomized Trial. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10566-013-9234-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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