A Novel Danish Adventure Therapy Intervention

Vollständiger Abstract

Worum geht es in dieser Arbeit?

Declining mental well-being among adolescents and young adults is a growing public health challenge in Denmark and across the Western world. Nature-based interventions, including adventure therapy, have shown promising results in improving mental well-being outcomes, yet evidence remains limited regarding effective mechanisms, contextual factors, and implementation strategies. This pilot study introduces a mixed methods design to evaluate a complex intervention targeting vulnerable adolescents in Southern Funen, Denmark. The intervention integrates adventure therapy, friluftsliv (open-air-living), and therapeutic exercises, with the aim of reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression and to enhance mental well-being, self-efficacy, and nature connectedness. Guided by the MRC framework for complex interventions and the RE-AIM evaluation framework, the study addresses three primary objectives: 1) assess the impact and significance of the intervention, 2) identify effective mechanisms of change, and 3) explore strategies for sustainable implementation within a municipal context. Data collection combines qualitative methods (interviews, observations, reflection forms) and quantitative measures (validated questionnaires on stress, anxiety, depression, well-being, self-efficacy, and nature connectedness). Our findings will inform best practices for integrating nature-based interventions into municipal health services. Designed as a pilot, the study aims to lay the groundwork for larger-scale research to strengthen the evidence base for nature-based mental health interventions.