RESEARCH
Engaging with Nature and the Outdoors: A Scoping Review of Therapeutic Applications in Contemporary Occupational Therapy
Summary
This research explores the use of nature and outdoor activities as therapeutic interventions in contemporary occupational therapy. The paper is a scoping review that looks at how engaging with the natural outdoors is applied in occupational therapy practice. The review examines the extent, nature, and potential benefits of these therapeutic applications, focusing on personal meaning, health, and well-being.
The study identifies three main themes: occupation-based applications, where engagement with nature is a direct form of therapy; occupation-focused applications, where enabling outdoor engagement is the focus; and occupational therapy’s contribution, which includes theoretical underpinnings and interprofessional collaboration. Occupation-based applications often involve therapeutic groups and community projects, while occupation-focused applications include education, advocacy, and environmental design. The research emphasizes that while there’s evidence of current practices like therapeutic gardening groups, many applications are still emerging. The review highlights the need for further research to strengthen the evidence base and to promote the role of occupational therapy in facilitating outdoor engagement.
