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Nature-Based Stress Management Course for Individuals at Risk of Adverse Health Effects from Work-Related Stress—Effects on Stress Related Symptoms, Workability and Sick Leave

Author

Listed:
  • Eva Sahlin

    (Department of Work Science, Business Economics and Environmental Psychology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 88, S-230 53 Alnarp, Sweden)

  • Gunnar Ahlborg

    (Institute of Stress Medicine, Sweden and Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Region Västra Götaland, Carl Skottbergs gata 22B, SE-413 19 Göteborg, Sweden)

  • Josefa Vega Matuszczyk

    (Department of Social and Behavioral Studies, University West, SE-461 86 Trollhättan, Sweden)

  • Patrik Grahn

    (Department of Work Science, Business Economics and Environmental Psychology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 88, S-230 53 Alnarp, Sweden)

Abstract

Sick leave due to stress-related disorders is increasing in Sweden after a period of decrease. To avoid that individuals living under heavy stress develop more severe stress-related disorders, different stress management interventions are offered. Self-assessed health, burnout-scores and well-being are commonly used as outcome measures. Few studies have used sick-leave to compare effects of stress interventions. A new approach is to use nature and garden in a multimodal stress management context. This study aimed to explore effects on burnout, work ability, stress-related health symptoms, and sick leave for 33 women participating in a 12-weeks nature based stress management course and to investigate how the nature/garden activities were experienced. A mixed method approach was used. Measures were taken at course start and three follow-ups. Results showed decreased burnout-scores and long-term sick leaves, and increased work ability; furthermore less stress-related symptoms were reported. Tools and strategies to better handle stress were achieved and were widely at use at all follow-ups. The garden and nature content played an important role for stress relief and for tools and strategies to develop. The results from this study points to beneficial effects of using garden activities and natural environments in a stress management intervention.

Suggested Citation

  • Eva Sahlin & Gunnar Ahlborg & Josefa Vega Matuszczyk & Patrik Grahn, 2014. "Nature-Based Stress Management Course for Individuals at Risk of Adverse Health Effects from Work-Related Stress—Effects on Stress Related Symptoms, Workability and Sick Leave," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-26, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:11:y:2014:i:6:p:6586-6611:d:37388
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Van der Klink, J.J.L. & Blonk, R.W.B. & Schene, A.H. & Van Dijk, F.J.H., 2001. "The benefits of interventions for work-related stress," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 91(2), pages 270-276.
    2. Kristensen, Tage S., 1991. "Sickness absence and work strain among Danish slaughterhouse workers: An analysis of absence from work regarded as coping behaviour," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 32(1), pages 15-27, January.
    3. Jesper J. Alvarsson & Stefan Wiens & Mats E. Nilsson, 2010. "Stress Recovery during Exposure to Nature Sound and Environmental Noise," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 7(3), pages 1-11, March.
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    1. Amber L. Pearson & Victoria Breeze & Aaron Reuben & Gwen Wyatt, 2021. "Increased Use of Porch or Backyard Nature during COVID-19 Associated with Lower Stress and Better Symptom Experience among Breast Cancer Patients," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-13, August.
    2. Eva Sahlin & Björn Johansson & Per-Olof Karlsson & Jenny Loberg & Mats Niklasson & Patrik Grahn, 2019. "Improved Wellbeing for Both Caretakers and Users from A Zoo-Related Nature Based Intervention—A Study at Nordens Ark Zoo, Sweden," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-23, December.
    3. Eva Sahlin & Gunnar Ahlborg & Artur Tenenbaum & Patrik Grahn, 2015. "Using Nature-Based Rehabilitation to Restart a Stalled Process of Rehabilitation in Individuals with Stress-Related Mental Illness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-24, February.
    4. Charlotte Wendelboe-Nelson & Sarah Kelly & Marion Kennedy & John W. Cherrie, 2019. "A Scoping Review Mapping Research on Green Space and Associated Mental Health Benefits," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-49, June.
    5. Dahlia Stott & DeAndra Forde & Chetan Sharma & Jonathan M. Deutsch & Michael Bruneau & Jennifer A. Nasser & Mara Z. Vitolins & Brandy-Joe Milliron, 2024. "Interactions with Nature, Good for the Mind and Body: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(3), pages 1-26, March.
    6. Elisa Menardo & Donatella Di Marco & Sara Ramos & Margherita Brondino & Alicia Arenas & Patricia Costa & Carlos Vaz de Carvalho & Margherita Pasini, 2022. "Nature and Mindfulness to Cope with Work-Related Stress: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-16, May.
    7. Melissa R. Marselle & Sara L. Warber & Katherine N. Irvine, 2019. "Growing Resilience through Interaction with Nature: Can Group Walks in Nature Buffer the Effects of Stressful Life Events on Mental Health?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-25, March.
    8. Dorthe Djernis & Inger Lerstrup & Dorthe Poulsen & Ulrika Stigsdotter & Jesper Dahlgaard & Mia O’Toole, 2019. "A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Nature-Based Mindfulness: Effects of Moving Mindfulness Training into an Outdoor Natural Setting," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-19, September.

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