An exploration of nature-based therapy for children with long term health conditions and associated psychological difficulties.

Abstract

Section A: Literature Review. A narrative review based on a systematic search methodology aimed to evaluate how nature-impact on children and young people’s (CYP) subjective wellbeing. The review utilized a comprehensive measure of subjective wellbeing, including evaluative, eudaimonic and experienced approaches, allowing for a deeper understanding of how wellbeing is impacted by NBTIs. Fourteen studies were retrieved, including quantitative and qualitative research. Overall, the findings identified themes of improved health appreciation, mood and self-esteem, impacting all evaluative,
experienced and eduaimonic approaches. Clinical implications and recommendations for future research were discussed.

Section B: Empirical Paper. CYP with long-term health conditions (LTC) face many biopsychosocial challenges impacting wellbeing. NBTIs may have a positive impact on CYPs wellbeing, however, research exploring the experience of NBTIs for CYP with LTC and associated psychological difficulties (APD) is limited. Ten participations, attended a NBTI and took part in semi-structured interviews, analysed
using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Four themes developed from the analysis including ‘Overcoming Illness-Identity’, ‘Freedom to Choose’, ‘Sense of Connection’ and ‘A Mindful Presence’ as well as 10 subthemes. Future research could examine mechanisms of NBTIs mediating positive change. Including NBTIs in treatment planning for CYP with LTC and APD could support wellbeing.

Date of Award	2023
Original language	English