Nature therapy shows progress in helping at-risk youths
At Britain's University of Essex, the Centre for Environment and Society has been working with young offenders to help them become more responsible members of society.
Researchers involved in the "Turn Around 2007" project are using wilderness experiences as a catalyst to help young people re-evaluate their destructive lifestyles. The initiative was begun with the assistance of the United Kingdom Wilderness Foundation, and could easily be replicated here.
The program consists of monthly workshops, weekly life coaching and wilderness trips. The sample of kids they're working with is small, and they've done two nature trips. The researchers are optimistic that getting the youths in touch with nature will help them gain self assurance to take more responsibility for their lives. Responsibility means making good choices, not engaging in risky or delinquent behavior and exhibiting the good qualities kids are supposed to have. The youths already have some competence to survive in their usual urban environments. But there's nothing like being confronted with the need for survival on a more basic level to make you evaluate your priorities.
The project so far has involved two wilderness trips – one a walking trip on the Isle of Mull in Scotland and the other sailing on the Thames. Researchers say the difference in behaviour was amazing.
The researchers report that after a challenging time on the walking trip, there were only two incidents of refusing to co-operate. Furthermore, there were no incidents of verbal attacks, physical violence or running away. Running away is less attractive when you might actually get lost. There aren't large carnivores to worry about, but the island has a long rocky coastline and a 914-metre mountain.
The five-day sailing trip was also a physical activity, but enhanced different skills because it relied on individuals working as a team. It was felt that this contributed to improved self-esteem and an enhanced mood. There were minimal arguments and the group functioned cohesively as a team.
Each program stresses a greater self-reliance through requiring survival in nature, challenging oneself and treating others with more respect. It's either that or risk not getting home.
I saw something like that at work once, on one of the back lakes of southwestern Nova Scotia. The group arrived by canoe, off-loaded the youths, and the leaders said they would meet them on the other side of the lake. The only way there was through the brush.
The researchers monitored the psychological health of the youths before and after the wilderness trips. It's not a surprise that initially behaviour was disruptive and disrespectful. However, over time the frequency of negative events reduced, criminal activity and substance abuse declined and the young people displayed less anti-social behaviour. When the British youths were asked to evaluate themselves on self-confidence and trust, feelings increased after each wilderness experience and then fell during the months after.
It's tempting to think that these results are caused by contact with nature, but it also helps that they were being paid attention to and helped by the adults.
The final score after the sailing trip was significantly higher than the initial score at the beginning of the project, which makes you wonder why we go to so much trouble to make life so predictable for kids. Maybe the occasional physical challenge would make school less boring and life more rewarding. Comments from the young people in the program included: "I enjoyed being in the outdoors" and "I've realized that there is a lot of things about me that need changing."
With many similar at-risk youths coming from urban, deprived environments, many more could be helped. A wide range of research shows the health benefits experienced after spending time in the natural environment. Research shows reduced stress levels, improved mood, enhanced psychological well-being and improved attention and concentration. Publications in areas as diverse as education, parks and recreation, and family studies show similar benefits.
Wilderness therapy is often used with youth at risk to help them address emotional, adjustment, addiction or psychological problems. Results are enhanced if programs are coupled with healthy diet, therapy, life skills, group projects with peers and opportunities for leadership training.
Chris McCormick
15 January 2009
