An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experience of a nature-based therapy intervention for children with long-term health conditions and associated psychological difficulties

Datos Bibliográficos

ID4822232
AutoresFarhin Bhatti (0009-0009-7333-7302, Canterbury Christ Church University), Farah Bhatti, Tamara Leeuwerik (0000-0001-8820-3651, Canterbury Christ Church University), Charlotte Savins (0009-0005-7964-833X, Worthing Hospital), Lana Jackson (0009-0006-7510-1967, Worthing Hospital)
Año2025
Volumen30
Número9
Páginas2264-2281
Fecha de publicación2025-08-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaJournal of Health Psychology (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1359-1053 • E-ISSN: 1461-7277
EditorialSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/13591053251315380
PMID39921324
OpenAlexW4407264291
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas48

Children and young people (CYP) with long-term health conditions (LTC) are at higher risk of developing mental health difficulties. Research suggests nature-based therapeutic interventions (NBTIs) may benefit CYP's wellbeing, but less is known about the impact on CYP with LTC. This study's objective was to explore how CYP with LTC and associated psychological difficulties experienced a NBTI and the impact on their wellbeing. Ten participants aged 10-13 attended a NBTI and took part in semi-structured interviews that explored how they made sense of their journey through the intervention, its impact on mental, physical wellbeing and sense of self. An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the interview data yielded four group experiential themes: 'Overcoming Illness-Identity', 'Freedom to Choose', 'Sense of Connection' and 'A Mindful Presence'. Participants reported improved self-esteem, a deepened sense of belonging with peers and nature, and enhanced emotion regulation. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed

Developmental psychology · Health psychology · Interpretative phenomenological analysis · Intervention (counseling · Psychiatry · Psychotherapist · Public health · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Term (time · Child Therapy and Development · Health, psychology, and well-being · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · Urban Green Space and Health · Clinical Psychology