Connected by Nature: Nature-Based Intervention to Support Young Adults with Advanced Cancer

Young adults living with advanced cancer often experience substantial psychological and existential health challenges, while frequently being underserved by existing rehabilitative and palliative services. This mixed-methods study evaluated the effects and experiences of a nature-based intervention designed to ease the burden of distress and support coping in the context of an incurable illness.

Four consecutive intervention groups participated in a six-week program consisting of one overnight nature camp and three outdoor sessions. Quantitative data on quality of life (FACT-G) were collected before and after each intervention cycle. At the session level, pre-post measures assessed distress, vitality, resilience, and perceived connectedness. Qualitative data consisted of post-intervention semi-structured group interviews.

Twenty-four participants completed the intervention. No significant change was observed in overall quality of life which is in line with expectations for palliative interventions for individuals with incurable illness. In contrast, session-level analyses showed consistent reductions in distress and increases in vitality, resilience, and connectedness across multiple domains. The qualitative findings indicated that the intervention provided a supportive context for emotional regulation, coping, social belonging and existential orientation.

Together, the findings support that nature-based rehabilitative palliation may offer meaningful support for young adults living with advanced cancer. The study underscores the importance of multi-level mixed-methods evaluation for capturing the value of palliative interventions where temporality and situational benefit constitute central outcomes.