IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jijerp/v19y2022i6p3622-d774309.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Can Rehabilitation in Nature Improve Self-Perceived Interpersonal Problems? A Matched-Control Study

Author

Listed:
  • Martin Mau

    (Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
    Health, Social Work and Welfare Research, UCL University College, 5230 Odense, Denmark
    Health Sciences Research Centre, UCL University College, 5230 Odense, Denmark)

  • Maria L. Vang

    (Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
    Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark)

  • Anna Mejldal

    (Open Patient Data Exploratory Network, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark)

  • Simon Høegmark

    (Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark)

  • Kirsten K. Roessler

    (Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark)

Abstract

Self-perceived interpersonal problems are of central concern for researchers and individuals; they are at the basis of psychopathology and cause for subjective distress. In this study, we examine whether a group-based rehabilitation program in nature may reduce self-perceived interpersonal problems in a heterogeneous group of men declining participation in traditional rehabilitation offers. The intervention consisted of weekly meetings in nature, taking place over the course of nine weeks. Through a matched-control study including 114 participants in the intervention group and 39 in a treatment as usual group participating in traditional rehabilitation offers, we found that there was no statistically significant development in self-perceived interpersonal problems in the nature-based rehabilitation offer. Though promising with regards to a number of mental challenges, including relational challenges, nature-based group-rehabilitation may require a more elaborate and thoroughgoing intervention, including e.g., a therapist and more time to be an effective intervention against interpersonal problems. We conclude that perhaps due to the fundamental aspect of self-perceived interpersonal problems, exposure to nature, and being in a group of men in a similar situation for the duration that this intervention lasted, may not be enough to address such underlying perceptions of self.

Suggested Citation

  • Martin Mau & Maria L. Vang & Anna Mejldal & Simon Høegmark & Kirsten K. Roessler, 2022. "Can Rehabilitation in Nature Improve Self-Perceived Interpersonal Problems? A Matched-Control Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-12, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:6:p:3622-:d:774309
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/6/3622/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/6/3622/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Martin Mau & Anders Aaby & Søren Harnow Klausen & Kirsten Kaya Roessler, 2021. "Are Long-Distance Walks Therapeutic? A Systematic Scoping Review of the Conceptualization of Long-Distance Walking and Its Relation to Mental Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-22, July.
    2. Simon Høegmark & Tonny Elmose Andersen & Patrik Grahn & Anna Mejldal & Kirsten K. Roessler, 2021. "The Wildman Programme—Rehabilitation and Reconnection with Nature for Men with Mental or Physical Health Problems—A Matched-Control Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-20, October.
    3. Louise C Hawkley & Yuanyuan Gu & Yue-Jia Luo & John T Cacioppo, 2012. "The Mental Representation of Social Connections: Generalizability Extended to Beijing Adults," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(9), pages 1-11, September.
    4. Sandra E. Mueller & Bigna Degen & Sylvie Petitjean & Gerhard A. Wiesbeck & Marc Walter, 2009. "Gender Differences in Interpersonal Problems of Alcohol-Dependent Patients and Healthy Controls," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 6(12), pages 1-13, December.
    5. Simon Høegmark & Tonny Elmose Andersen & Patrik Grahn & Kirsten Kaya Roessler, 2020. "The Wildman Programme. A Nature-Based Rehabilitation Programme Enhancing Quality of Life for Men on Long-Term Sick Leave: Study Protocol for a Matched Controlled Study In Denmark," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-17, May.
    6. 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.
    7. Chorong Song & Harumi Ikei & Yoshifumi Miyazaki, 2016. "Physiological Effects of Nature Therapy: A Review of the Research in Japan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-17, August.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Lilly Joschko & Anna María Pálsdóttir & Patrik Grahn & Maximilian Hinse, 2023. "Nature-Based Therapy in Individuals with Mental Health Disorders, with a Focus on Mental Well-Being and Connectedness to Nature—A Pilot Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-24, January.
    2. Mikkel Hjort & Martin Mau & Michaela Høj & Kirsten K. Roessler, 2023. "The Importance of the Outdoor Environment for the Recovery of Psychiatric Patients: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-12, January.
    3. Gunnar Cerwén, 2019. "Listening to Japanese Gardens: An Autoethnographic Study on the Soundscape Action Design Tool," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-30, November.
    4. Hyunju Jo & Chorong Song & Yoshifumi Miyazaki, 2019. "Physiological Benefits of Viewing Nature: A Systematic Review of Indoor Experiments," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-23, November.
    5. Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo & Nicolas Escoffier & Jane Chan & Tan Puay Yok, 2018. "Window View and the Brain: Effects of Floor Level and Green Cover on the Alpha and Beta Rhythms in a Passive Exposure EEG Experiment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-14, October.
    6. Tamsin Thomas & James Baker & Debbie Massey & Daniel D’Appio & Christina Aggar, 2020. "Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomised Trial of Social Prescribing of Forest Therapy for Quality of Life and Biopsychosocial Wellbeing in Community-Living Australian Adults with Mental Illness: Protocol," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-14, December.
    7. Amber L. Pearson & Victoria Breeze & Aaron Reuben & Gwen Wyatt, 2021. "Increased Use of Porch or Backyard Nature during COVID-19 Associated with Lower Stress and Better Symptom Experience among Breast Cancer Patients," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-13, August.
    8. Chorong Song & Harumi Ikei & Bum-Jin Park & Juyoung Lee & Takahide Kagawa & Yoshifumi Miyazaki, 2018. "Psychological Benefits of Walking through Forest Areas," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-10, December.
    9. Isabelle Soulé & Chloé Littzen-Brown & Amber L. Vermeesch & Layla Garrigues, 2022. "Expanding the Mind–Body–Environment Connection to Enhance the Development of Cultural Humility," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-8, October.
    10. Karacaoğlu Sıla, 2024. "Searching for Life Satisfaction in Nature through Tourism: An Exploratory Research on Hikers," European Journal of Tourism, Hospitality and Recreation, Sciendo, vol. 14(1), pages 140-152.
    11. Eleanor Petitt & Bo Rolander & Per Johnsson, 2023. "Medical Nature-Based Rehabilitation Program for Individuals with Exhaustion Syndrome: Changes in Quality of Life, Exhaustion Symptoms and Overall Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(17), pages 1-17, August.
    12. Amy Miner Ross & Reo Jane Francesca Jones, 2022. "Simulated Forest Immersion Therapy: Methods Development," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-17, April.
    13. Alexandra Jiricka-Pürrer & Valeria Tadini & Boris Salak & Karolina Taczanowska & Andrzej Tucki & Giulio Senes, 2019. "Do Protected Areas Contribute to Health and Well-Being? A Cross-Cultural Comparison," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-18, April.
    14. Chorong Song & Harumi Ikei & Bum-Jin Park & Juyoung Lee & Takahide Kagawa & Yoshifumi Miyazaki, 2020. "Association between the Psychological Effects of Viewing Forest Landscapes and Trait Anxiety Level," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-9, July.
    15. Hanna Weimann & Jonas Björk & Carita Håkansson, 2019. "Experiences of the Urban Green Local Environment as a Factor for Well-Being among Adults: An Exploratory Qualitative Study in Southern Sweden," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-14, July.
    16. 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.
    17. Rikuto Yamashita & Chong Chen & Toshio Matsubara & Kosuke Hagiwara & Masato Inamura & Kohei Aga & Masako Hirotsu & Tomoe Seki & Akiyo Takao & Erika Nakagawa & Ayumi Kobayashi & Yuko Fujii & Keiko Hira, 2021. "The Mood-Improving Effect of Viewing Images of Nature and Its Neural Substrate," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-11, May.
    18. Chorong Song & Harumi Ikei & Yoshifumi Miyazaki, 2018. "Physiological Effects of Visual Stimulation with Forest Imagery," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-11, January.
    19. Karolina Macháčková & Roman Dudík & Jiří Zelený & Dana Kolářová & Zbyněk Vinš & Marcel Riedl, 2021. "Forest Manners Exchange: Forest as a Place to Remedy Risky Behaviour of Adolescents: Mixed Methods Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-20, May.
    20. Anne Leonora Blaakilde & Karen Christensen, 2024. "Narrative, Nature-Based Participatory Action Research (PAR) among Female Turkish Migrants in Denmark: Reflections on Methodological Benefits and Challenges," Societies, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-15, January.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:6:p:3622-:d:774309. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.