The role of nature in the benefits of green social prescribing amongst an adult sample: A thematic analysis investigation

Introduction:
Green Social Prescribing (GSP) has been described as an effective community mental health intervention. A review of the current literature demonstrates that the vast majority of studies suggest positive benefits of GSP on wellbeing, but that very few explore or define the particular contribution of ‘nature’ to these benefits. The current study aims to explore the specific role of nature as a contributing factor to the benefits of GSP.

Method:
The study employed a qualitative methodology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six participants who were currently participating in a GSP activity and two GSP facilitators. The collected data was analysed via a reflexive Thematic Analysis.

Results:
The analysis suggested that nature enabled participants to gain a different and broader perspective of their lives and difficulties and feel connected to other living beings. This offered a sense of hope for the future and for recovery and led to participants feeling less isolated. Engagement with nature enabled participants to take steps towards their values and help nature. Nature facilitated an environment where participants could complete tasks even when making mistakes or needing adaptations, leading to a sense of achievement. Nature was described as healing and beneficial. Being in the moment and connecting with nature through the senses were important components of the GSP intervention. Both participants and facilitators spoke about the scaffolding that the framework provided to promote the efficacy and the benefits that connection with nature can lead to.

Discussion:
This project’s findings enable us to make firm conclusions about the important role of nature within GSP and to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms through which nature can improve the wellbeing benefits of the intervention. By utilising current psychological theory and clinical practice, the study goes beyond the current evidence base and makes conclusions as to how these mechanisms facilitate change.