Nature-based activities and mental health among immigrants
Pantha Pandey, Babita; Leppisaari, Tuomas (2022)
2022
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2022110822206
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2022110822206
Tiivistelmä
Involvement in nature-based activities may have a positive impact on human well-being. It has also been shown to help adapting into a new society. The main purpose of this thesis is to analyse how study participants evaluate the effects of nature-based activities on their mental health. The goal is to provide information to people about nature-based activities that can improve immigrants’ mental health.
This is a research-based thesis which was done in collaboration with Research, development and innovation unit of Centria University of Applied Sciences. The research method(s) utilized in this research were qualitative. The target group were the unemployed immigrants who took part in nature-based activities offered by the project (Luontovoimaa maahanmuuttajataustaisten elämään). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants (n = 3) using open-ended questions. Interviews were conducted via online meetings and in person. To analyse the data, thematic analysis was used. The data was reviewed many times by reading the transcribed documents and listening to the original records throughout all stages of analysis.
The results of this research were derived from the thematic analysis by merging the important phenomena into themes. Six different themes were derived, which are: Learning about Finnish nature, lifestyle and nature activities, Sense of belonging, Social interaction, The appealing qualities of Finnish nature, Positive effects on mood and Nature visits as a stress coping mechanism. According to the findings of our study, immigrants’ mental health may be benefitted by participating in nature-based activities. As a result, engaging in activities related to nature can also help people adjust to a new environment and society.
This is a research-based thesis which was done in collaboration with Research, development and innovation unit of Centria University of Applied Sciences. The research method(s) utilized in this research were qualitative. The target group were the unemployed immigrants who took part in nature-based activities offered by the project (Luontovoimaa maahanmuuttajataustaisten elämään). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants (n = 3) using open-ended questions. Interviews were conducted via online meetings and in person. To analyse the data, thematic analysis was used. The data was reviewed many times by reading the transcribed documents and listening to the original records throughout all stages of analysis.
The results of this research were derived from the thematic analysis by merging the important phenomena into themes. Six different themes were derived, which are: Learning about Finnish nature, lifestyle and nature activities, Sense of belonging, Social interaction, The appealing qualities of Finnish nature, Positive effects on mood and Nature visits as a stress coping mechanism. According to the findings of our study, immigrants’ mental health may be benefitted by participating in nature-based activities. As a result, engaging in activities related to nature can also help people adjust to a new environment and society.