Exploring the Impact of Participation in Urban Park Stewardship on Mental Health.

Project Overview Problem Statement Increased urbanization and diminishing contact with nature has been associated with reduced mental health and well-being for people (Clay, 2001; Barton & Pretty, 2010; Selhub & Logan, 2012; Stigsdotter et al., 2010; Svendsen, 2011) Despite the growing body of evidence demonstrating the restorative benefits of local and accessible nature within urban environments, there remains a gap between theory and practical application to improve mental health and well-being (Milton, 2009; Wolsko & Hoyt, 2012). In order for counsellors to operationalize the knowledge that time spent in nature can have restorative benefits for health and well-being in practice, further study is required to identify realistic opportunities for clients to access these benefits in the urban context. The purpose of this study is to understand how accessing nature through participation in a local park stewardship group in an urban setting in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), impacts members mental health and well-being over the course of one year. This is an exploratory study, intended to elicit descriptive data, which, may inform future qualitative and quantitative research into the relationship between nature-based interventions and well-being. Definitions There are a number of key definitions that have similar meaning throughout the literature reviewed for this proposal, including: nature, good mental health, stress, restorative environment and ecotherapy. Selhub and Logan (2012) describe nature as

the non-built, non synthetic environmentsights, sounds, aromas, rivers, oceans, plants, animals, and light in as close a form as possible to that from which we evolved (p. 2). The terms nature and greenspace are used interchangeably in this proposal, reflecting the language in many of the studies reviewed. Barton and Pretty (2010) state that good mental health is not just a reflection of the absence of disease or disability. It comprises a balance between self-satisfaction, independence, capability and competency, achieving potential, and coping well with stress and adversity (p. 3947). For clarity and consistency, the terms good mental health, mental health and well-being are used interchangeably throughout this proposal. Stress refers to the process by which an individual responds psychologically, physically, and often with behaviors, to a situation that challenges or threatens wellbeing (Baum et al., 1985) (Ulrich et al., 1991, p. 202). A restorative environment has been described as one which can help to restore depleted emotional and functional resources and capabilities (Kjellgren & Buhrkall, 2010, p. 464). Finally, ecotherapy has been defined as a new form of therapy that acknowledges the vital role of nature and addresses the human-nature relationship (Buzzell & Chalquist, 2009, p. 18). The Importance of This Study Svendsen and Campbell (2008) note that there is a need for further study to understand the links between the social act of stewardship/caring for the environment and public health, crime and social cohesion (p. 18). The proposed study aims to expand an existing body of research that addresses the positive impact of accessing greenspace on mental health and well-being. Specifically, the findings of this study may provide preliminary data regarding potential benefits of participation in a local stewardship group

for mental health and well-being. Such findings could inform new counselling strategies that focus on the restorative benefits of nature in improving the mental health of clients who live in urban environments. Furthermore, it could lend credibility for referral to such groups as an adjunct mental health intervention. !