The forest as a classroom: preparing for mental health practice

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Mental Health Practice
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Physical activity positively impacts mental health treatment.
• Nursing education must emphasize the link between physical activity and mental well-being.
• Non-medical therapeutic strategies are crucial for mental health care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of nursing students participating in "The Forest as a Classroom" program.
• To explore the use of nature-based activities as non-medical mental health interventions.
• To assess the impact on nursing students' understanding of physical activity and mental health.

Main Methods:

• An ad-hoc questionnaire with standardized and open-ended questions was used for evaluation.
• Descriptive statistics and content analysis were employed for data analysis.
• The study involved nursing students in collaborative problem-solving and theoretical discussions outdoors.

Main Results:

• Participants demonstrated increased knowledge regarding physical activity's role in mental health.
• Students found outdoor theoretical exercises challenging due to sensory stimulation diverting attention.
• The forest classroom provided a unique learning environment for mental health strategies.

Conclusions:

• Outdoor learning in nature supports nursing students in developing a repertoire of mental health treatment activities.
• The study underscores the value of diverse pedagogical approaches in nursing education.
• Integrating nature-based learning can enhance nursing students' preparedness for mental health care.