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Nature’s Role in Outdoor Therapies: An Umbrella Review

Author

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  • Nevin J. Harper

    (Faculty of Human & Social Development, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
    Sørlandet Sykehus, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway)

  • Carina R. Fernee

    (Sørlandet Sykehus, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway)

  • Leiv E. Gabrielsen

    (Sørlandet Sykehus, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway
    In loving memory of Leiv Einar Gabrielsen (1966–2021).)

Abstract

Objective: To report on the role of nature in outdoor therapies through review and summary of existing systematic and meta-analytic reviews in an effort to articulate a theoretical framework for practice. Materials and methods: An umbrella review was conducted following systematic protocols PRISMA guidelines. Results: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria and represented five self-identified approaches: nature-based therapies, forest therapy, horticultural therapy, wilderness therapy, and adventure therapy. Clear and comprehensive descriptions of theory, program structure, and activity details with causal links to outcomes were mostly absent. Conclusions: A rigorous and determined program of research is required in order to explicit in-depth theories of change in outdoor therapies. Conversely, or maybe concurrently, a holistic theory of integrated relatedness may be developed as a parallel expression of support for nature in therapy while the explanatory science catches up.

Suggested Citation

  • Nevin J. Harper & Carina R. Fernee & Leiv E. Gabrielsen, 2021. "Nature’s Role in Outdoor Therapies: An Umbrella Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-13, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:10:p:5117-:d:552889
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David Moher & Alessandro Liberati & Jennifer Tetzlaff & Douglas G Altman & The PRISMA Group, 2009. "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(7), pages 1-6, July.
    2. Sus Sola Corazon & Ulrik Sidenius & Dorthe Varning Poulsen & Marie Christoffersen Gramkow & Ulrika Karlsson Stigsdotter, 2019. "Psycho-Physiological Stress Recovery in Outdoor Nature-Based Interventions: A Systematic Review of the Past Eight Years of Research," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-21, May.
    3. 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.
    4. Dorthe Djernis & Inger Lerstrup & Dorthe Poulsen & Ulrika Stigsdotter & Jesper Dahlgaard & Mia O’Toole, 2019. "A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Nature-Based Mindfulness: Effects of Moving Mindfulness Training into an Outdoor Natural Setting," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-19, September.
    5. Margaret M. Hansen & Reo Jones & Kirsten Tocchini, 2017. "Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-48, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Miek C. Jong & Trine Stub & Eric Mulder & Mats Jong, 2022. "The Development and Acceptability of a Wilderness Programme to Support the Health and Well-Being of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: The WAYA Programme," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-21, September.
    2. Tonje H. Stea & Miek C. Jong & Liv Fegran & Ellen Sejersted & Mats Jong & Sophia L. H. Wahlgren & Carina R. Fernee, 2022. "Mapping the Concept, Content, and Outcome of Family-Based Outdoor Therapy for Children and Adolescents with Mental Health Problems: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-22, May.
    3. Luke A. Vitagliano & Kelly L. Wester & Connie T. Jones & David L. Wyrick & Amber L. Vermeesch, 2023. "Group Nature-Based Mindfulness Interventions: Nature-Based Mindfulness Training for College Students with Anxiety," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-18, January.
    4. Vicent Balanzá-Martínez & Jose Cervera-Martínez, 2022. "Lifestyle Prescription for Depression with a Focus on Nature Exposure and Screen Time: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-17, April.

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