‘That’s given me a bit more hope’ – adolescent girls’ experiences of Forest School

Jillian Manner,Lawrence Doi,Yvonne Laird

doi:10.1080/14733285.2020.1811955

Jillian Manner, Lawrence Doi + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1080/14733285.2020.1811955

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Abstract

ABSTRACT Forest School is an outdoor learning program aimed at improving wellbeing and resilience. Few studies discuss Forest School experiences from the viewpoint of adolescent girls, particularly those with mental health risk factors. The study’s aim was to explore the experiences of adolescent girls involved in a Forest School program in Scotland. An interpretive approach, using qualitative interviews captured the experiences of eight girls, who were considered at risk for mental health problems, participating in a Forest School program in rural Scotland. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, which facilitated understanding the complexity of meaning participants attached to their experiences. Four main themes were identified from interviews; mental wellbeing and resilience, community and social interaction, learning, and perception of Forest School. Most participants felt the program positively affected their mood, confidence, social skills and relationships, which went beyond the Forest School setting.

Highlights

Adolescent girls’ development is fraught with risks and barriers including internalizing problems, anti-social behavior and a higher likelihood of depression and anxiety disorders, some of which can be tied to societal and gender specific barriers (Abrams 2002; Bor et al 2014)
In Scotland, services such as Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), and the Scottish school nursing program provide mental health services and support to children and adolescents, these services are under pressure due to high demand (NHS Education for Scotland 2018; Doi et al 2018)
This study explores the experiences of adolescent girls who have, or are at risk of, mental health and behavioral problems, taking part in an all-girls Forest School program

Summary

Introduction

Adolescent girls’ development is fraught with risks and barriers including internalizing problems, anti-social behavior and a higher likelihood of depression and anxiety disorders, some of which can be tied to societal and gender specific barriers (Abrams 2002; Bor et al 2014). In Scotland, services such as Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), and the Scottish school nursing program provide mental health services and support to children and adolescents, these services are under pressure due to high demand (NHS Education for Scotland 2018; Doi et al 2018). Outdoor learning provides children with an opportunity to be physically active, while learning and developing a relationship with the natural world (McCree and Cree 2017).

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