Hvilken betydning kan friluftsliv ha i forebyggende arbeid for å styrke ungdom sin psykiske helse?

Abstract

This bachelor thesis is a literature review about how adolescents can benefit from being outside in natural environment, and how landscape can promote their mental health. As I am about to finish my bachelor degree in Social work, I aim to highlight the research question from a systems theoretic perspective. My thesis is based on 4 research projects, 3 qualitative and 1 quantitative. The results indicate both immediate and long-term mental health benefits from being with others in outdoor landscapes/environment. Moreover/however I have chosen to focus on youth, as they represent a population at risk. I have also chosen to focus on interventions in schools, because of the possibilities the school system gives for promoting the mental health for adolescents with and without being at risk for mental disorders.