Research Library

Community organizations

Alberta Parks

Location

Alberta

Key recommendations

More research is needed in the area

Development of inclusive outdoor programs specifically for those at risk of depression, with sensory impairment, or other threats to well-being

Key populations

Adults with disabilities

Key findings

Stressful daily challenges and traumatic life events such as chronic illness or acquired injury can greatly diminish mental well-being. Nature activities can be a resource for emotion-focused coping and a foundation for subsequent adjustment following negative life events.

Outdoor activities help people with disabilities to receive a heightened sensory experience;

Nature and outdoor experiences positively influenced their satisfaction with love;

Having a mutual outdoor experience helped caregivers and adults with disabilities form new power relation with each other;

Participants experienced a sense of transcendence while being in nature; caregivers didn’t feel like they were working while being outside with their dependents: they had a sense of child-like playfulness

Integration timeline

At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?

NA

Open-access – No

Gaps identified