Can Rehabilitation in Nature Improve Self-Perceived Interpersonal Problems? A Matched-Control Study

Martin Mau, Maria L. Vang, Anna Mejldal, Simon Høegmark and Kirsten K. Roessler
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Martin Mau: Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
Maria L. Vang: Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
Anna Mejldal: Open Patient Data Exploratory Network, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
Simon Høegmark: Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
Kirsten K. Roessler: Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 6, 1-12

Abstract: Self-perceived interpersonal problems are of central concern for researchers and individuals; they are at the basis of psychopathology and cause for subjective distress. In this study, we examine whether a group-based rehabilitation program in nature may reduce self-perceived interpersonal problems in a heterogeneous group of men declining participation in traditional rehabilitation offers. The intervention consisted of weekly meetings in nature, taking place over the course of nine weeks. Through a matched-control study including 114 participants in the intervention group and 39 in a treatment as usual group participating in traditional rehabilitation offers, we found that there was no statistically significant development in self-perceived interpersonal problems in the nature-based rehabilitation offer. Though promising with regards to a number of mental challenges, including relational challenges, nature-based group-rehabilitation may require a more elaborate and thoroughgoing intervention, including e.g., a therapist and more time to be an effective intervention against interpersonal problems. We conclude that perhaps due to the fundamental aspect of self-perceived interpersonal problems, exposure to nature, and being in a group of men in a similar situation for the duration that this intervention lasted, may not be enough to address such underlying perceptions of self.

Keywords: nature; rehabilitation; self-perceived interpersonal problems (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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