Mental well-being and quality-of-life benefits of inclusion in nature for adults with disabilities and their caregivers
Abstract
The benefits of green space and nature experiences are increasingly being recognised and translated into public health policy and practice. Alongside this trend, inclusion of all people into parks and nature has been an important area of parks and recreation practice. Nature inclusion for those with disabilities, youth, seniors and immigrants has become a focus of Alberta in Western Canada. This study was designed to examine the influence of two such government supported nature interventions, including day trips and a more extensive weekend or week-long nature experience, on mental well-being outcomes. Findings show a positive trend towards improved depression markers, greater health satisfaction, improved social relationships (in particular, love and friendship), as well as satisfaction with a sense of community and experiences of helping.
Notes
Community organizations
Alberta Parks
Location
Alberta
Key recommendations
More research is needed in the area
Development of inclusive outdoor programs specifically for those at risk of depression, with sensory impairment, or other threats to well-being
Key populations
Adults with disabilities
Key findings
Stressful daily challenges and traumatic life events such as chronic illness or acquired injury can greatly diminish mental well-being. Nature activities can be a resource for emotion-focused coping and a foundation for subsequent adjustment following negative life events.
Outdoor activities help people with disabilities to receive a heightened sensory experience;
Nature and outdoor experiences positively influenced their satisfaction with love;
Having a mutual outdoor experience helped caregivers and adults with disabilities form new power relation with each other;
Participants experienced a sense of transcendence while being in nature; caregivers didn’t feel like they were working while being outside with their dependents: they had a sense of child-like playfulness
Integration timeline
At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?
NA
Open-access – No
Gaps identified