RESEARCH

Exploring the Benefits of Ecotherapy-Based Activities at an Urban Community College

This article suggests that ecotherapy-based activities may benefit urban community college students by providing enjoyable experiences, opportunities for self-expression, and stress reduction. The preliminary findings indicate that these activities can positively impact student well-being and engagement in college life.

Program Types: Therapeutic, Social

Population Groups: Students

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Stress Management, Increased Self-Efficacy

Allied Profession Intersections: Forest/Ecotherapy

Type of Activity: Nature-Based Arts & Crafts

Evidence Type: Case Studies

Measurement and Evaluation: Program Effectiveness

Access: Paid

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Summary

This article explores the potential benefits of ecotherapy-based activities for students at an urban community college. It introduces two specific activities implemented at a community college in New York City: an eco-art workshop and an animal-assisted therapy workshop. The article discusses the results of these activities and provides recommendations for how faculty, administrators, and staff in higher education can incorporate similar experiences.

The findings from this study suggest that ecotherapy-based activities can offer benefits in three key areas: general satisfaction with the experience, opportunity for self-expression, and awareness of stress reduction. Students reported enjoying the activities, meeting new people, and learning new things. The activities also provided students with a means of expressing themselves and reflecting on their experiences, sometimes making personal connections to nature. Furthermore, students reported feeling more relaxed, calm, and peaceful as a result of participating in the ecotherapy-based activities.

Link

Kras, N. (2019). Exploring the Benefits of Ecotherapy-Based Activities at an Urban Community College. Community College Journal of Research and Practice, 1–7.

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