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.
Highlights
Nature-based services offer therapy or treatment interventions designed, structured, and facilitated for individuals with a defined need [1]
More than half of the participants (54.4%) reported symptoms of mental health problems according to the HSCL-10, and the mean HSCL-10 score was 20.88 (SD = 8.46)
The results indicate that various dimensions of social support are present in naturebased services and that they may contribute to strengthening participants perceived social support and mental health in various ways
Summary
Nature-based services offer therapy or treatment interventions designed, structured, and facilitated for individuals with a defined need [1]. The overall goal for all nature-based services is to provide health-promoting activities for various groups of people. Salutogenic factors, factors that might strengthen health (e.g., social support), are at the core of these services. Nature-based services are provided for people with dementia, mental health- or drug-related problems, as work training and as a pedagogical resource for a variety of participating groups. The services are often provided in a farm milieu (at or in connection to agricultural farms), and activities typically include working with animals and plants, and maintenance work [2]. Nature-based services in farm milieus are found in several
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