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Improved Wellbeing for Both Caretakers and Users from A Zoo-Related Nature Based Intervention—A Study at Nordens Ark Zoo, Sweden

Author

Listed:
  • Eva Sahlin

    (Department of Work Science, Business Economics and Environmental Psychology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O.Box.88, SE-230 53 Alnarp, Sweden)

  • Björn Johansson

    (Nordens Ark Foundation, Åby Säteri, SE-456 93 Hunnebostrand, Sweden)

  • Per-Olof Karlsson

    (Nordens Ark Foundation, Åby Säteri, SE-456 93 Hunnebostrand, Sweden)

  • Jenny Loberg

    (Nordens Ark Foundation, Åby Säteri, SE-456 93 Hunnebostrand, Sweden
    Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 234, SE-532 23 Skara, Sweden)

  • Mats Niklasson

    (Nordens Ark Foundation, Åby Säteri, SE-456 93 Hunnebostrand, Sweden
    Southern Swedish Forest Research Center, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 49, SE-232 52 Alnarp, Sweden
    Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, University of Gothenburg, Box 100, S-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden)

  • Patrik Grahn

    (Department of Work Science, Business Economics and Environmental Psychology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O.Box.88, SE-230 53 Alnarp, Sweden)

Abstract

Nature-based interventions have been proposed to promote physical and mental health and give stress reduction. Little attention has been given to the potential of zoos for human health and wellbeing. A disadvantaged group in Sweden regarding access to nature are individuals with disabilities who consequently do not have the same access to these health benefits as other groups. To increase awareness and knowledge regarding spending time in nature and with animals, courses directed at caretakers for persons with disabilities and their users were held at Nordens Ark, a zoo in Sweden. To explore if the courses had led to increased nature activities, and if participating in the courses had affected caretakers’ and their users’ health and wellbeing, questionnaires and interviews for evaluating the courses were used. The results showed improved quality in nature visits because of course participation as well as positive effects for the wellbeing, sustainability for the caregivers and users in their working lives, and relationships were positively affected. The conclusion from this study is that nature and animal-based education should be more frequent to provide opportunities for a disadvantaged group to have the positive effects of nature of which most other groups have obvious access to.

Suggested Citation

  • Eva Sahlin & Björn Johansson & Per-Olof Karlsson & Jenny Loberg & Mats Niklasson & Patrik Grahn, 2019. "Improved Wellbeing for Both Caretakers and Users from A Zoo-Related Nature Based Intervention—A Study at Nordens Ark Zoo, Sweden," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-23, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:24:p:4929-:d:294593
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kristina Byström & Patrik Grahn & Caroline Hägerhäll, 2019. "Vitality from Experiences in Nature and Contact with Animals—A Way to Develop Joint Attention and Social Engagement in Children with Autism?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-36, November.
    2. Matilda Annerstedt Van den Bosch & Per-Olof Östergren & Patrik Grahn & Erik Skärbäck & Peter Währborg, 2015. "Moving to Serene Nature May Prevent Poor Mental Health—Results from a Swedish Longitudinal Cohort Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-16, July.
    3. Eva Sahlin & Gunnar Ahlborg & Josefa Vega Matuszczyk & Patrik Grahn, 2014. "Nature-Based Stress Management Course for Individuals at Risk of Adverse Health Effects from Work-Related Stress—Effects on Stress Related Symptoms, Workability and Sick Leave," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-26, June.
    4. Insook Lee & Heeseung Choi & Kyung-Sook Bang & Sungjae Kim & MinKyung Song & Buhyun Lee, 2017. "Effects of Forest Therapy on Depressive Symptoms among Adults: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-18, March.
    5. Anna María Pálsdóttir & Dennis Persson & Birgitta Persson & Patrik Grahn, 2014. "The Journey of Recovery and Empowerment Embraced by Nature — Clients’ Perspectives on Nature-Based Rehabilitation in Relation to the Role of the Natural Environment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-22, July.
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