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The Meaning of Social Support in Nature-Based Services for Young Adults with Mental Health Problems

Author

Listed:
  • Anne Mari Steigen

    (Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 400, 2418 Elverum, Norway
    Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Karlstad University, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden)

  • Bengt G. Eriksson

    (Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 400, 2418 Elverum, Norway
    Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Karlstad University, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden)

  • Ragnfrid Eline Kogstad

    (Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 400, 2418 Elverum, Norway)

  • Daniel Bergh

    (Department of Education and Special Education, The University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden)

Abstract

In previous studies, social context and social support have been found to be important in nature-based services. However, no studies have previously focused on the meaning of different dimensions of social support in these contexts. The aim of this study is therefore to uncover dimensions of social support in relation to mental health among young adults with mental health problems participating in nature-based services in Norway. This study applies data from a survey of 93 young adults participating in nature-based services; in addition, qualitative interview data from 20 interviews are also used. The data are analysed using qualitative content analysis, descriptive statistics, and correlation analysis. The results indicate that participants in nature-based services experience emotional, esteem, informational, and instrumental support in addition to social integration and opportunities for nurturance in these services. The service leader, other participants, and the animals are important contributors to these dimensions of social support. Nature-based services may be a helpful intervention for young adults with mental health problems. The unique context of these services, including nature and animals, adds special qualities to mental health and social work practices.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:3:p:1638-:d:739660
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. 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.
    2. Milner, Allison & Krnjacki, Lauren & Butterworth, Peter & LaMontagne, Anthony D., 2016. "The role of social support in protecting mental health when employed and unemployed: A longitudinal fixed-effects analysis using 12 annual waves of the HILDA cohort," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 153(C), pages 20-26.
    3. Jean Caron, 2012. "Predictors of Quality of Life in Economically Disadvantaged Populations in Montreal," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 107(3), pages 411-427, July.
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