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An Analysis of Theoretical Perspectives in Research on Nature-Based Interventions and Pain

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  • Reo J. F. Jones

    (School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
    School of Nursing and Health Innovations, The University of Portland, Portland, OR 97203, USA)

  • Chloé O. R. Littzen

    (School of Nursing and Health Innovations, The University of Portland, Portland, OR 97203, USA)

Abstract

Chronic pain results from a complex series of biomechanical, inflammatory, neurological, psychological, social, and environmental mechanisms. Pain and pain-related diseases are the leading causes of disability and disease burden globally. Employing nature-based interventions for the treatment of pain is an emerging field. Current theory driving the suggested mechanism(s) linking the pain reducing effects of nature-based interventions is lacking. A two-step approach was taken to complete a theoretical review and analysis. First, a literature review was completed to gather a substantive amount of research related to theoretical frameworks on the topic of nature-based interventions and pain. Secondly, a theoretical analysis as proposed by Walker and Avant was completed to explore current theoretical frameworks accepted in the literature on nature-based interventions and pain. Stress reduction theory and attention restoration theory were the most common theoretical frameworks identified. Neither theoretical framework explicitly identifies, describes, or intends to adequately measure the concept of pain, revealing a limitation for their application in research with nature-based interventions and pain. Theoretical development is needed, as it pertains to nature-based interventions and pain. Without this development, research on nature-based interventions and pain will continue to use proxy concepts for measurement and may result in misrepresented findings.

Suggested Citation

  • Reo J. F. Jones & Chloé O. R. Littzen, 2022. "An Analysis of Theoretical Perspectives in Research on Nature-Based Interventions and Pain," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-15, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:19:p:12740-:d:934049
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Reo Jones & Robin Tarter & Amy Miner Ross, 2021. "Greenspace Interventions, Stress and Cortisol: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-21, March.
    2. Daniela Haluza & Regina Schönbauer & Renate Cervinka, 2014. "Green Perspectives for Public Health: A Narrative Review on the Physiological Effects of Experiencing Outdoor Nature," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-17, May.
    3. Liisa Andersen & Sus Sola Corazon & Ulrika Karlsson Stigsdotter, 2021. "Nature Exposure and Its Effects on Immune System Functioning: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-48, February.
    4. Jin Gun Kim & Tae Gyu Khil & Youngsuwn Lim & Kyungja Park & Minja Shin & Won Sop Shin, 2020. "The Psychological Effects of a Campus Forest Therapy Program," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-11, May.
    5. Hector A. Olvera-Alvarez & Matthew H. E. M. Browning & Andreas M. Neophytou & Gregory N. Bratman, 2021. "Associations of Residential Brownness and Greenness with Fasting Glucose in Young Healthy Adults Living in the Desert," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-16, January.
    6. Jin-Woo Han & Han Choi & Yo-Han Jeon & Chong-Hyeon Yoon & Jong-Min Woo & Won Kim, 2016. "The Effects of Forest Therapy on Coping with Chronic Widespread Pain: Physiological and Psychological Differences between Participants in a Forest Therapy Program and a Control Group," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-13, February.
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