Det er tungt å bære sekken, men det er tyngre å bære på unyttige tanker : En kvalitativ studie om på hvilken måte friluftsliv og opphold i naturen kan bidra til økt mestring og opplevd bedring hos personer med psykiske helseutfordringer

Abstract

Introduction: As a result of the growth in mental illnesses and the industrial society, there is an increased need for a place where humans can reconnect and find peace. Science shows that almost one out of four grown up Norwegians has a mental disorder, and that physical activity, especially by spending time in nature, can contribute to the recovery. To accommodate these challenges, I believe that science can offer a better understanding on how we can facilitate for health promotion accompanied with nature. Objective and key question: The purpose of this study is to get a better and holistic understanding on how the nature can help in promoting mental health. Especially how the nature can increase self-efficacy and experienced recovery with people that struggle with mental health challenges. Key question: to what extent does outdoor education and time spent in nature contribute to increased self-efficacy and experienced recovery in persons facing mental health challenges? Method: The method used in this thesis is a Qualitative research perspective with ethnography and semi-structured interviews. Participants in the study are people that have mental health challenges or have experience with mental health care in the South of Norway. Results: Outdoor education and time spent in nature offers a unique opportunity for selfefficacy experiences through manageable challenges. Especially when the group you participate in are in a safe environment, and contributes to social support and the feeling of belonging. The nature also offers a counterweight to the daily life by being an arena where everyone is treated the same, and the natural challenges that appears are challenges that everyone need to master. Conclusion: Outdoor education and time spent in nature can result in increased self-efficacy and recovery in people with mental health challenges. This happens by offering an arena for health promotion that participate in creating relations that are health promoted. Keywords: Outdoor education, mental health, self-efficacy, salutogenesis, recovery, nature and identity