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Therapeutic Nature Activities: A Step Toward the Labor Market for Traumatized Refugees

Author

Listed:
  • Dorthe Varning Poulsen

    (Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark)

  • Anna María Pálsdóttir

    (Department of Work Science, Business Economics and Environmental Psychology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 23053 Alnarp, Sweden)

  • Sasja Iza Christensen

    (New Roots, Hallingelille Økosamfund, 4100 Ringsted, Denmark)

  • Lotta Wilson

    (New Roots, Hallingelille Økosamfund, 4100 Ringsted, Denmark)

  • Sigurd Wiingaard Uldall

    (Competence Centre for Transcultural Psychiatry (CTP), Mental Health Centre Ballerup, 2750 Ballerup, Denmark)

Abstract

Background : Globally, the number of refugees is growing. For many refugees, entering the labor market in their new country of residence is challenging. Some remain forever dependent on welfare services, and this not only weakens their chances of integration, but also harms their health and well-being. Methods : This qualitative single case study focused on a group of war-stricken refugees in Denmark. The study investigated the impact of an eight-month horticultural vocational program aimed at improving their ability to complete an education program or to work. A total of 29 interviews were conducted and analyzed using the interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) method. Results : The natural environment in the eco-village evoked a feeling of safety as well as positive memories in the participants, in contrast to the traumatic memories they had of their flight. Horticultural activities and the positive and respectful attitude from staff initiated a recovery process. New skills were achieved at an individual pace, and feelings of isolation decreased. These findings can be implicated in future interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Dorthe Varning Poulsen & Anna María Pálsdóttir & Sasja Iza Christensen & Lotta Wilson & Sigurd Wiingaard Uldall, 2020. "Therapeutic Nature Activities: A Step Toward the Labor Market for Traumatized Refugees," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-19, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:20:p:7542-:d:429652
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Orna Braun-Lewensohn & Sarah Abu-Kaf & Khaled Al-Said, 2019. "Women in Refugee Camps: Which Coping Resources Help Them to Adapt?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-11, October.
    2. Eva Sahlin & Gunnar Ahlborg & Artur Tenenbaum & Patrik Grahn, 2015. "Using Nature-Based Rehabilitation to Restart a Stalled Process of Rehabilitation in Individuals with Stress-Related Mental Illness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-24, February.
    3. Yulisha Byrow & Rosanna Pajak & Tadgh McMahon & Amitabh Rajouria & Angela Nickerson, 2019. "Barriers to Mental Health Help-Seeking Amongst Refugee Men," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-15, July.
    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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    1. Sigurd Wiingaard Uldall & Dorthe Varning Poulsen & Sasja Iza Christensen & Lotta Wilson & Jessica Carlsson, 2022. "Mixing Job Training with Nature-Based Therapy Shows Promise for Increasing Labor Market Affiliation among Newly Arrived Refugees: Results from a Danish Case Series Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(8), pages 1-11, April.

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