Being and doing in the outdoors brings something extra! Evaluating the Danish Healthy in Nature Project. Issue 1 (1st January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Andkjær, Søren; Klein-Wengel, Trine Top; Ishøi, Astrid; Bjørk Petersen, Christina
• Is Part Of: International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being. Volume 16:Issue 1(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01-01
• Subjects: Nature -- the outdoors -- friluftsliv -- health -- well-being -- Self-Determination Theory -- evaluation; Qualitative research -- Periodicals; Health -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; 362.1072
• DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2021.1983947
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-2623

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Purpose: Little is known of the potential of using nature and outdoor activities in relation to community-based health promotion programmes. This study seeks a better understanding of how people with mental or chronic physical health problems experience a local outdoor health promotion or rehabilitation programmes and a better understanding of how these programs contribute to the participant's health and well-being. Methods: The study is based on data from the Healthy in Nature project targeting adults with chronic physical health problems and adults with mental health problems. Data was collected using a qualitative multiple case study design involving five selected cases with both qualitative interviews and observation. Data was analysed using Braun et al.'s 6-phase guide to qualitative reflexive thematic analysis, employing Self-Determination Theory as a theoretical framework. Results: Overall, the participants in the two groups experienced increased competence, autonomy, and relatedness, and the participants expressed the importance of both being in a natural environment and doing outdoor activities (friluftsliv). Conclusions: The study makes a valuable contribution to the field of health promotion and rehabilitation pointing to nature and friluftsliv as important elements that offer great potential to community-based health promotion.