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Six-Step Model of Nature-Based Therapy Process

Author

Listed:
  • Kyung Hee Oh

    (Department of Forest Therapy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea)

  • Won Sop Shin

    (Department of Forest Therapy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea)

  • Tae Gyu Khil

    (Department of Forest Therapy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea)

  • Dong Jun Kim

    (Department of Forest Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea)

Abstract

Several studies have confirmed that the natural environment has psychophysiological healing effects. However, few studies have investigated the healing process involved in the effect of the natural environment. To date, no theoretical model on the nature-based therapy process has been clearly established. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop a theoretical model of the nature-based therapy process by analyzing individual empirical data. Research materials were 180 self-reported essays on “Forest Therapy Experiences” submitted to the Korea Forest Service. This study was conducted based on grounded theory. Data were analyzed through open coding. A total of 82 concepts, 21 subcategories, and six categories were derived. Results revealed that the nature-based therapy process contained six categories: Stimulation, acceptance, purification, insight, recharging, and change. When in the natural environment, participants first experienced positive emotional change, followed by cognitive and behavioral changes. Based on these results, a nature-based therapy process model was derived. This study revealed that the nature-based therapy process did not consist of just a single element or step, but involved an integrated way of healing with emotional and cognitive changes. This study is significant in that it derives a theoretical model of the nature-based therapy process with comprehensive mechanisms. Further research is needed to establish more systematic theoretical model.

Suggested Citation

  • Kyung Hee Oh & Won Sop Shin & Tae Gyu Khil & Dong Jun Kim, 2020. "Six-Step Model of Nature-Based Therapy Process," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-16, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:3:p:685-:d:311500
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thomas Beery & K. Ingemar Jönsson & Johan Elmberg, 2015. "From Environmental Connectedness to Sustainable Futures: Topophilia and Human Affiliation with Nature," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(7), pages 1-18, July.
    2. J. Pretty & J. Peacock & R. Hine & M. Sellens & N. South & M. Griffin, 2007. "Green exercise in the UK countryside: Effects on health and psychological well-being, and implications for policy and planning," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 50(2), pages 211-231.
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    Cited by:

    1. Daniela Huber & Johanna Freidl & Christina Pichler & Michael Bischof & Martin Kiem & Renate Weisböck-Erdheim & Gabriella Squarra & Vincenzo De Nigris & Stefan Resnyak & Marcel Neberich & Susanna Bordi, 2023. "Long-Term Effects of Mountain Hiking vs. Forest Therapy on Physical and Mental Health of Couples: A Randomized Controlled Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-20, January.
    2. Jin-Gun Kim & Won-Sop Shin, 2021. "Forest Therapy Alone or with a Guide: Is There a Difference between Self-Guided Forest Therapy and Guided Forest Therapy Programs?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-15, June.
    3. Kyung-Sook Bang & Sungjae Kim & Gumhee Lee & Sinyoung Choi & Da-Ae Shin & Misook Kim, 2021. "The Development of a Health Promotion Program for Unmarried Mothers Living in Residential Facilities Using Urban Forests: An Intervention Mapping Approach Based on the Transtheoretical Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-19, August.
    4. Xiang Huang & Liangyi Luo & Xinyi Li & Yingxin Lin & Zhiqiang Chen & Chen Jin, 2022. "How Do Nature-Based Activities Benefit Essential Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic? The Mediating Effect of Nature Connectedness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-13, December.

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