Ecotherapy through a discursive lens: nature-based activities, mental health, and local constructions of human-nature relationship

Abstract

ABSTRACT Contemporary studies on nature-based activities have evidenced mental health benefits of being in/with nature. Previous quantitative studies generally verified the effectiveness of ecotherapy, and qualitative studies identified the healing mechanisms. However, existing studies on ecotherapy have not considered local contextualities in understanding the psychology of nature-based activities, as if nature is experienced in a relatively universal way across cultures. Drawing upon insights from discursive psychology, this article explores the ways local socio-cultural-ideological discourses constitute one’s understanding about and relationship with nature, and how it might enable/limit mental health benefits. Based on the authors’ reflections during the development of an ecotherapy project in Indonesia, this article argues that ecotherapy does not operate in a discursive vacuum, but instead, mental health benefits of nature-based activities were constituted through various cultural, spiritual, gender, ableist, ethnic, and class-related discourses. The implications are discussed in relation to how ecotherapy can be more contextual, inclusive, and diverse.