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Narratives of Natural Recovery: Youth Experience of Social Inclusion through Green Care

Author

Listed:
  • Ragnfrid Eline Kogstad

    (Department of Public Health, Hedmark University College, Box 400, 2418 Elverum, Norway)

  • Rita Agdal

    (Department of Public Health, Hedmark University College, Box 400, 2418 Elverum, Norway)

  • Mark Steven Hopfenbeck

    (Department of Health Care and Nursing, Gjövik University College, Box 191, 2802 Gjövik, Norway)

Abstract

The aim of this study has been to investigate the effects of Green Care services for youth in vulnerable situations risking social exclusion. Green Care enterprises represent alternative arenas in which people can work with animals, agriculture and other tasks related to nature. We interviewed nine persons, aged 17–27, working in three different places, two or more times over a two-year period. We looked at essential beneficial factors in order to better understand how the “green” element could add to more traditional recovery factors. We found that the youth described core success factors corresponding to well-known recovery factors such as recognition, supportive relationships, motivation, meaning, positive coping, self-esteem, confidence and hope. The effective factors can be described as: (a) The leader’s ability to create a good group atmosphere, (b) the varied tasks which allow step-wise increases in self-efficacy, and (c) experiences with animals and in nature that provide comfort for youth who lack trust in people and need safe situations to recover a positive sense of self. We followed a process in which several persons gradually regained self-respect and the motivation for further education or a job outside the Green Care enterprise. The study illustrates that Green Care can be an important supplement in helping people back to a satisfying life and meaningful roles in society.

Suggested Citation

  • Ragnfrid Eline Kogstad & Rita Agdal & Mark Steven Hopfenbeck, 2014. "Narratives of Natural Recovery: Youth Experience of Social Inclusion through Green Care," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-17, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:11:y:2014:i:6:p:6052-6068:d:36855
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bjørn Grinde & Grete Grindal Patil, 2009. "Biophilia: Does Visual Contact with Nature Impact on Health and Well-Being?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 6(9), pages 1-12, August.
    2. Wilson, Sandra Jo & Lipsey, Mark W., 2000. "Wilderness challenge programs for delinquent youth: a meta-analysis of outcome evaluations," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 23(1), pages 1-12, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Morgana Galardi & Marta De Santis & Roberta Moruzzo & Franco Mutinelli & Laura Contalbrigo, 2021. "Animal Assisted Interventions in the Green Care Framework: A Literature Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-14, September.
    2. Anne Mari Steigen & Bengt G. Eriksson & Ragnfrid Eline Kogstad & Daniel Bergh, 2022. "The Meaning of Social Support in Nature-Based Services for Young Adults with Mental Health Problems," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-12, January.
    3. Marina García-Llorente & Radha Rubio-Olivar & Inés Gutierrez-Briceño, 2018. "Farming for Life Quality and Sustainability: A Literature Review of Green Care Research Trends in Europe," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-18, June.

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