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

Dorthe Varning Poulsen, Anna María Pálsdóttir, Sasja Iza Christensen, Lotta Wilson and Sigurd Wiingaard Uldall
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Dorthe Varning Poulsen: Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark
Anna María Pálsdóttir: Department of Work Science, Business Economics and Environmental Psychology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 23053 Alnarp, Sweden
Sasja Iza Christensen: New Roots, Hallingelille Økosamfund, 4100 Ringsted, Denmark
Lotta Wilson: New Roots, Hallingelille Økosamfund, 4100 Ringsted, Denmark
Sigurd Wiingaard Uldall: Competence Centre for Transcultural Psychiatry (CTP), Mental Health Centre Ballerup, 2750 Ballerup, Denmark

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 20, 1-19

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: refugees; migrants; horticultural activities; recovery; vocational program; labor market (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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