Therapeutic Nature Activities: A Step Toward the Labor Market for Traumatized Refugees

Sammanfattning

Background: Globally, the number of refugees is growing. For many refugees, entering the labor market in their new country of residence is challenging. Some remain forever dependent on welfare services, and this not only weakens their chances of integration, but also harms their health and well-being. Methods: This qualitative single case study focused on a group of war-stricken refugees in Denmark. The study investigated the impact of an eight-month horticultural vocational program aimed at improving their ability to complete an education program or to work. A total of 29 interviews were conducted and analyzed using the interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) method. Results: The natural environment in the eco-village evoked a feeling of safety as well as positive memories in the participants, in contrast to the traumatic memories they had of their flight. Horticultural activities and the positive and respectful attitude from staff initiated a recovery process. New skills were achieved at an individual pace, and feelings of isolation decreased. These findings can be implicated in future interventions.

Nyckelord

refugees; migrants; horticultural activities; recovery; vocational program; labor market

Publicerad i

International journal of environmental research and public health
2020, Volym: 17, nummer: 20, artikelnummer: 7542

SLU författare

• Palsdottir, Anna Maria

  • Institutionen för människa och samhälle, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    

Associerade SLU-program

Naturupplevelser och hälsa


Globala målen

SDG3 God hälsa och välbefinnande
SDG4 God utbildning för alla
SDG8 Anständiga arbetsvillkor och ekonomisk tillväxt


UKÄ forskningsämne

Trädgårdsvetenskap/hortikultur
Arbetsterapi


Publikationens identifierare

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17207542

Permanent länk till denna sida (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/108185