RESEARCH

Migrants’ Experiences of a Nature-Based Vocational Rehabilitation Program in Relation to Place, Occupation, Health and Everyday Life

A Swedish study explored a nature-based vocational rehabilitation program for migrants involving gardening and horticultural activities. Participants developed a sense of belonging, enhanced work ability transferable to everyday life, and learned strategies for navigating uncertainties, ultimately supporting integration into Swedish society.

Program Types: Therapeutic, Vocational

Population Groups: Immigrants/Refugees

Setting or Context: Rehabilitation Centers, Community Gardens

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Increased Sense of Belonging (Reduced Isolation), Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Greater Job Readiness & Vocational Skills, Community Building

Allied Profession Intersections: Recreational Therapy

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Plant Propagation, Growing Plants from Seed

Evidence Type: Qualitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Program Effectiveness

Access: Paid

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Summary

This study explores a nature-based vocational rehabilitation program in Sweden designed for migrants, focusing on how it influenced their perceived health and integration into daily life. The program, conducted at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) Alnarp Rehabilitation Garden, involved groups of 6-9 participants engaging in garden and horticultural occupations like propagation, growing, harvesting, planting, and maintenance. These activities offered diverse cognitive and physical challenges to improve their mental and physical functioning. Led by an occupational therapist and a gardener, the 12-week intervention, also incorporated a work ability assessment conducted by the occupational therapist, based on the individual treatment goal set at the beginning.

The study’s findings, based on narrative analysis of interviews with seven participants, are presented in three themes: the meaning of belonging in the garden, the meaning of occupation and its transferability to everyday life, and navigating uncertainty in everyday life. The authors argue that successful integration in society depends on a combination of factors understood as a whole, including capability, occupation, place, and work, which are crucial for migrants navigating the Swedish Public Employment Service establishment program. The results emphasize the potential of nature-based interventions to support the health, work, and integration of migrants into society.

Link

Ekstam, E., Pálsdóttir, AM., & Asaba, E. (2021). Migrants’ experiences of a nature-based vocational rehabilitation programme in relation to place, occupation, health and everyday life. Journal of Occupational Science, 28(1), 144-158.

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RESEARCH

Migrants’ Experiences of a Nature-Based Vocational Rehabilitation Program in Relation to Place, Occupation, Health and Everyday Life

Summary

Link

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