J Korean Acad Nurs.  2009 Jun;39(3):338-348. 10.4040/jkan.2009.39.3.338.

Healing Effects of the Forest Experience on Alcoholics

• Cha J
• Kim S

• KMID: 999303
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2009.39.3.338

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore and describe healing effects of the forest on alcoholics through a forest experience program.
METHODS
The qualitative data was gathered from one focus group discussion with 6 alcoholics and individual interviews with 8 alcoholics. They had all participated in a "healing forest" program. All interviews were recorded and transcribed according to thematic content analysis processes.
RESULTS
The four main themes on the attributes of forest were "a lively living being", "placidity and tranquility", "acceptive atmosphere", and "beautifulness as it is" which revealed the participants' perceived nature of the forest which was attributed to the healing effects. Eight other themes on participants' positive changes included "revived senses", "aspired to live", "relieved and relaxed from being tense", "gaining insight on self", "having an acceptive attitude", "becoming compliant with his/her life", "learning that life is being together" and "recognizing the value of one's existence".
CONCLUSION
The findings of the study illustrated the participants' self-healing processes through interactions with the nature of the forest. Nursing interventions utilizing healing atmospheres such as "healing forest" programs can be considered helpful in providing a venue to alcoholics to reflect on their lives affirmatively.

Keyword

Qualitative research; Focus groups; Individual interview; Alcoholics; Forest

MeSH Terms

Adult
Alcoholism/*psychology
Attitude to Health
Focus Groups
Holistic Health
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Male
Mental Health
Middle Aged
*Psychiatric Nursing
Tape Recording

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