The Relationship Between Well-Being and MountainTherapy in Practitioners of Mental Health Departments

Background. Healthcare workers' health can be influenced by physical, psychological, social, emotional, and work-related stress. MountainTherapy Activities (MTAs) are an integrated therapeutic approach that uses nature to enhance their well-being through group activities like hiking. This cross-sectional study examines well-being levels among Italian Departments of Mental Health workers who do or do not participate in MTAs. It hypothesizes that MTAs may reduce burnout, boost psychological resilience, and increase job satisfaction. Methods. The study involved 167 healthcare workers from 11 Italian Local Health Authorities, divided into MTA (who take part in MTA; n = 83) and non-MTA (who have never participated in MTA; n = 84) groups. They completed five validated questionnaires on psychological distress, burnout, resilience, job engagement, and psychological safety. Data were compared between groups, considering MTA frequency and well-being differences during MTAs versus workplace activities. Results. MTA participants scored higher in psychological well-being (t(117.282) = -1.721, p = 0.044) and general dysphoria (t(116.955) = -1.721, p = 0.042). Additionally, during MTAs, they showed greater job engagement (vigor: t(66) = -8.322, p < 0.001; devotion: t(66) = -4.500, p < 0.001; emotional involvement: t(66) = -8.322, p = 0.002) and psychological safety (general: t(66) = -5.819, p < 0.001; self-expression: t(66) = -5.609, p < 0.001) compared to other activities. Conclusions. MTAs can be considered a valid intervention for the promotion of the mental health of healthcare workers.