Johanna Hirvonen, Ph.D.*¹, Leena Uosukainen, Ph.D.*² *Mikkeli University of Applied Sciences, Finland ¹ Department of Culture, Youth and Social Work, ² Department of Health Care
The aim of the study was: to examine the effects of the nature-assisted client work practices on wellbeing among the clients of social and health care services,
to construct a theoretical framework on the effects of nature-assisted client work on wellbeing (=programme theory of nature-assisted interventions)
The effects of nature-assisted client work on clients’ wellbeing
Client group
Decreased stress level
Adults with mental retardation
Aggressive client did calm down when sat alone at pier.
People with drug dependence
Nature tour in the lake district and sitting by a campfire
People with mental health problems
Improved behaviour at a nature tour
Children and adolescents living at professional fosterfamily home
Spending time alone in a forest
Elderly people suffering from memory disorders
Improved concentration and presence
Improved mood
Improved activity level
Other effects
Improved activity level and ability to take responsibility in ADL
Participating in farm work
Having a personal garden
Aggressive client has learnt constructive ways to communicate when working with animals
Improvements in social interactions and selfconcept
Functional ability and diseases Family background
Age
Gender
Previous nature experiences
Participating in forestry works Time to observe surrounding environment more actively
Positive experiences when growing flowers and vegetables
Gardening
Nature tours, riding a horse, farm work, rowing
Beautiful landscape, Positive memories
Correspondence: Johanna Hirvonen johanna.hirvonen@mamk.fi
Main mechanisms and contextual factors of nature-assisted interventions affecting client’s wellbeing
Leena Uosukainen leena.uosukainen@mamk.fi
Forestry works, experience of working together with others Having positive experiences when riding a horse
Physical contact with animal may activate to remember meaningful nature experiences
Approving relationship with animals
Nature tours, Outdoor activities, Farm work, Gardening, Spending time outside, Observing nature, Using natural materials, Events at nature
Committed staff, Knowledge about green care activities, Time spent doing nature-assisted activities, Social contacts, Client – worker communication, Feedback, Goal-oriented working practices and continuity, Inclusion and personal influence in rehabilitation, Functional environment
Decreased stress level, Improved concentration and presence, Improved mood, Improved activity level, Ability to take responsibility in ADL, Improvements in social interactions and self-concept