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This study explores how participants suffering from stress-related mental disorders describe their perception, interaction, and lived experience of garden smellscape during their nature-based rehabilitation. Natural elements, and especially nature smells, have been found to have a profound effect on stress reduction, suggesting an interesting link between odor in nature and stress reduction. The study was conducted as a longitudinal case-study, running over a period of 5 years, investigating participants’ perceptions of a garden smellscape, after completing a 12-weeks nature-based rehabilitation in Alnarp Rehabilitation Garden, Sweden. All participants were treated for stress-related mental disorders. Data were collected through retrospective semi-structured individual interviews and analyzed according to interpretative phenomenological analysis. The results revealed in what way nature odor (odor in nature) evoked associations, emotions, and physical reactions and provide examples of how nature scents function as a catalyst for sensory awareness and memories. Findings supported the understanding that experiencing the smell of plants, especially pelargonium, may facilitate stress reduction and support mental recovery in a real-life context. The results of the study can be used for several purposes; thus, they are relevant for actors within the development of nature-based therapy, as well as stakeholders within the horticultural industry.
Anna María Pálsdóttir; Sara Spendrup; Lennart Mårtensson; Karin Wendin. Garden Smellscape–Experiences of Plant Scents in a Nature-Based Intervention. Frontiers in Psychology 2021, 12, 1 .
AMA StyleAnna María Pálsdóttir, Sara Spendrup, Lennart Mårtensson, Karin Wendin. Garden Smellscape–Experiences of Plant Scents in a Nature-Based Intervention. Frontiers in Psychology. 2021; 12 ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnna María Pálsdóttir; Sara Spendrup; Lennart Mårtensson; Karin Wendin. 2021. "Garden Smellscape–Experiences of Plant Scents in a Nature-Based Intervention." Frontiers in Psychology 12, no. : 1.
Forced migration has dramatically increased around the world during the last decade. Integration, including health and work among migrants, is an important topic in many European countries; thus, it is crucial to develop relevant approaches to address challenges that arise in tandem with migration and work. Nature-based intervention is one such approach that addresses different kinds of challenges related to human health and social welfare. The aim of this study was to build on knowledge about how a nature-based vocational rehabilitation programme influences perceived health and how it integrates into the everyday lives of migrants. Seven participants from the establishment programme run by the Swedish Public Employment Service were interviewed twice, at the start and at the end of the intervention. The semi-structured interviews focused on occupation, health in everyday life, and experiences of participating in the programme. Data were analysed and interpreted using narrative analysis. The findings are presented in three themes: meaning of place and belonging in the garden, the meaning of occupation and its transferability to everyday life, and navigating uncertainty in everyday life. The findings are discussed and interpreted using concepts such as capability, occupation, place, and work. The authors argue that successful integration in society rests on a combination of factors that need to be understood as part of a whole.
Lisa Ekstam; Anna Maria Pálsdóttir; Eric Asaba. Migrants’ experiences of a nature-based vocational rehabilitation programme in relation to place, occupation, health and everyday life. Journal of Occupational Science 2021, 28, 144 -158.
AMA StyleLisa Ekstam, Anna Maria Pálsdóttir, Eric Asaba. Migrants’ experiences of a nature-based vocational rehabilitation programme in relation to place, occupation, health and everyday life. Journal of Occupational Science. 2021; 28 (1):144-158.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLisa Ekstam; Anna Maria Pálsdóttir; Eric Asaba. 2021. "Migrants’ experiences of a nature-based vocational rehabilitation programme in relation to place, occupation, health and everyday life." Journal of Occupational Science 28, no. 1: 144-158.
This study aimed to investigate if proposed restorative attributes according to attention restoration theory and supportive environment theory could be experienced and identified in Icelandic landscape and contribute to a restorative experience in nature sites in rural Iceland. A prospective mixed-method study was conducted over the period of one year. Seven different nature sites that were considered likely to have restorative qualities were selected for the evaluation i.e., three forest sites, three seashores, and one park in and in the vicinity of Ísafjörður, Iceland. Each site was evaluated regarding how the participants experienced its restorative qualities and how a stay therein affected their mental state. Nature visits were offered once a week, where the participants visited one of the seven locations for two hours. The findings show that the participants perceived and experienced nature sites as having the characteristics of a restorative environment and that staying at the nature sites positively affected their mental state. External conditions, like weather, which can affect nature visits, were rarely a hinderance. Thus, it can be concluded that numerous coastal areas, forests, and parks in Iceland, especially in rural areas, might possess restorative qualities as well. This result shows that wild and open nature in North West Iceland has the characteristics of a restorative environment and can be utilized for health promotion.
Harpa Lind Kristjánsdóttir; Sigrún Sigurðardóttir; Anna María Pálsdóttir. The Restorative Potential of Icelandic Nature. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 9095 .
AMA StyleHarpa Lind Kristjánsdóttir, Sigrún Sigurðardóttir, Anna María Pálsdóttir. The Restorative Potential of Icelandic Nature. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (23):9095.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHarpa Lind Kristjánsdóttir; Sigrún Sigurðardóttir; Anna María Pálsdóttir. 2020. "The Restorative Potential of Icelandic Nature." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 23: 9095.
Background: Globally, the number of refugees is growing. For many refugees, entering the labor market in their new country of residence is challenging. Some remain forever dependent on welfare services, and this not only weakens their chances of integration, but also harms their health and well-being. Methods: This qualitative single case study focused on a group of war-stricken refugees in Denmark. The study investigated the impact of an eight-month horticultural vocational program aimed at improving their ability to complete an education program or to work. A total of 29 interviews were conducted and analyzed using the interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) method. Results: The natural environment in the eco-village evoked a feeling of safety as well as positive memories in the participants, in contrast to the traumatic memories they had of their flight. Horticultural activities and the positive and respectful attitude from staff initiated a recovery process. New skills were achieved at an individual pace, and feelings of isolation decreased. These findings can be implicated in future interventions.
Dorthe Varning Poulsen; Anna María Pálsdóttir; Sasja Iza Christensen; Lotta Wilson; Sigurd Wiingaard Uldall. Therapeutic Nature Activities: A Step Toward the Labor Market for Traumatized Refugees. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 7542 .
AMA StyleDorthe Varning Poulsen, Anna María Pálsdóttir, Sasja Iza Christensen, Lotta Wilson, Sigurd Wiingaard Uldall. Therapeutic Nature Activities: A Step Toward the Labor Market for Traumatized Refugees. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (20):7542.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDorthe Varning Poulsen; Anna María Pálsdóttir; Sasja Iza Christensen; Lotta Wilson; Sigurd Wiingaard Uldall. 2020. "Therapeutic Nature Activities: A Step Toward the Labor Market for Traumatized Refugees." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 20: 7542.
People with neurological disorders suffer from poor mobility, poor balance, fatigue, isolation and monotonous everyday activities. Studies show that equine-assisted interventions can improve their mobility and balance, but could these kinds of interventions also increase participants’ activity repertoire and self-assessed health, and reduce their fatigue? The study was conducted as a prospective, controlled study with three cohorts followed for one year: intervention group (n = 14), control group Passive (n = 29), and control group Active (n = 147). Participants in the study were affected by neurological disease or injury that limited their opportunities for an active everyday life. The intervention group lacked regular activities outside the home before the intervention, which consisted of riding once a week, led by a certified therapist. Control group Passive lacked regular activities outside the home, while control group Active had several activities outside the home per week. Primary outcome measures were activity repertoire measured with Occupational Value Assessment questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures were global self-assessed health measured with EuroQol-VAS and fatigue measured with Shirom-Melamed Burnout Questionnaire. The intervention group’s activity repertoire and self-assessed health increased significantly compared to both baseline and the control groups. Equine-assisted interventions could help to improve the perceived value of everyday occupations and quality of life, as well as break isolation and increase the activity repertoire of people with neurological disorders.
Anna María Pálsdóttir; Marie Gudmundsson; Patrik Grahn. Equine-Assisted Intervention to Improve Perceived Value of Everyday Occupations and Quality of Life in People with Lifelong Neurological Disorders: A Prospective Controlled Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 2431 .
AMA StyleAnna María Pálsdóttir, Marie Gudmundsson, Patrik Grahn. Equine-Assisted Intervention to Improve Perceived Value of Everyday Occupations and Quality of Life in People with Lifelong Neurological Disorders: A Prospective Controlled Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (7):2431.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnna María Pálsdóttir; Marie Gudmundsson; Patrik Grahn. 2020. "Equine-Assisted Intervention to Improve Perceived Value of Everyday Occupations and Quality of Life in People with Lifelong Neurological Disorders: A Prospective Controlled Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 7: 2431.
To determine whether nature-based rehabilitation, as an add-on to standard care, has a long-term influence on post-stroke fatigue, perceived value of everyday occupations, disability, health-related quality of life, anxiety, and depression at follow-up 8 and 14 months after randomization. Single-blinded, 2-armed, randomized controlled trial. Stroke survivors, identified through routine 3-month follow-up visit (sub-acute) or medical records (chronic stroke > 1 year previously), were randomized to standard care + nature-based rehabilitation (intervention group) or standard care alone (control group). Blinded evaluations were conducted at follow-up 8 and 14 months after randomization, for the following outcomes: post-stroke fatigue (Mental Fatigue Scale; MFS), perceived value of everyday occupations (Occupational value instrument with pre-defined items), disability (modified Rankin Scale; mRS), health-related quality of life (Euro-QoL-5 Demension Questionnaire), anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; HAD) and depression (HAD). Approximately one-quarter of the screened patients were eligible for inclusion in the study; of these, half agreed to participate; a final total of 101 patients were randomized (mean age 67 years, 60% female). The patients with sub-acute stroke were highly compliant with the intervention. The participants in both the intervention and control groups improved, However, no statistically significant differences in improvement were found between the intervention and control groups for any of the outcome measures. Fatigue decreased to a value below the suggested cut-off for mental fatigue (< 10.5) in the intervention group, but not in the control group. Nature-based rehabilitation is feasible and well tolerated. A larger randomized controlled trial is warranted.
Anna-María Pálsdóttir; Kjerstin Stigmar; Bo Norrving; Ingemar F Petersson; Mikael Åström; Hélène Pessah-Rasmussen; P Grahn. The nature stroke study; NASTRU: A randomized controlled trial of nature-based post-stroke fatigue rehabilitation. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine 2020, 52, jrm00020 .
AMA StyleAnna-María Pálsdóttir, Kjerstin Stigmar, Bo Norrving, Ingemar F Petersson, Mikael Åström, Hélène Pessah-Rasmussen, P Grahn. The nature stroke study; NASTRU: A randomized controlled trial of nature-based post-stroke fatigue rehabilitation. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. 2020; 52 (2):jrm00020.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnna-María Pálsdóttir; Kjerstin Stigmar; Bo Norrving; Ingemar F Petersson; Mikael Åström; Hélène Pessah-Rasmussen; P Grahn. 2020. "The nature stroke study; NASTRU: A randomized controlled trial of nature-based post-stroke fatigue rehabilitation." Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine 52, no. 2: jrm00020.
Introduction: Fear appeals are a common tactic used in work safety interventions to motivate farmers to adopt safer behaviours. They begin by introducing a threat, followed by information on how to remove the threat. However, fear appeals tend to be ineffective when developed without a firm...
Catharina Elisabeth Alwall Svennefelt; Erik Hunter; Anna Maria Palsdottir. Work safety interventions and threat complexity – A formative investigation into why farmers do not act safely. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 2019, 26, 280 -289.
AMA StyleCatharina Elisabeth Alwall Svennefelt, Erik Hunter, Anna Maria Palsdottir. Work safety interventions and threat complexity – A formative investigation into why farmers do not act safely. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine. 2019; 26 (2):280-289.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCatharina Elisabeth Alwall Svennefelt; Erik Hunter; Anna Maria Palsdottir. 2019. "Work safety interventions and threat complexity – A formative investigation into why farmers do not act safely." Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 26, no. 2: 280-289.
Fatigue is common after stroke and contributes to disability and impaired quality of life. Currently, there is insufficient evidence on the efficacy of any intervention for post-stroke fatigue. The aim of the study was to examine whether 10 weeks Nature-based rehabilitation (NRB) as add-on to standard care may improve post-stroke fatigue, perceived value of everyday occupations, function, activity and participation compared to standard care only (Clinical Trial.gov Identifier: NCT02435043, 2012/352, 05-06-2015). The study was carried out as a single blinded two-armed randomised controlled trial. Stroke survivors identified through routine 3-month follow-up visit (sub-acute) or medical records (chronic stroke > 1 year earlier) were randomised to Standard care + NBR or Standard care only. Blinded evaluations were conducted at follow-up 8 and 14 months after randomisation. The primary outcomes were post-stroke fatigue (Mental Fatigue Scale, total score) and perceived value of everyday occupations (Oval-pd) 8 months after randomisation. About a quarter of the screened patients were eligible; half accepted to participate and 101 were randomised, mean age 67 years, 60% female. The patients with sub-acute stroke were highly compliant with the intervention. Fatigue decreased to a value below the suggested cut-off for mental fatigue (
Anna María Pálsdóttir; Kjerstin Stigmar; Bo Norrving; Patrik Grahn; Ingemar F Petersson; Mikael Åström; Hélène Pessah-Rasmussen. The Nature stroke study; NASTRU - A randomised controlled trial of nature-based post-stroke fatigue rehabilitation. 2019, 1 .
AMA StyleAnna María Pálsdóttir, Kjerstin Stigmar, Bo Norrving, Patrik Grahn, Ingemar F Petersson, Mikael Åström, Hélène Pessah-Rasmussen. The Nature stroke study; NASTRU - A randomised controlled trial of nature-based post-stroke fatigue rehabilitation. . 2019; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnna María Pálsdóttir; Kjerstin Stigmar; Bo Norrving; Patrik Grahn; Ingemar F Petersson; Mikael Åström; Hélène Pessah-Rasmussen. 2019. "The Nature stroke study; NASTRU - A randomised controlled trial of nature-based post-stroke fatigue rehabilitation." , no. : 1.
Anna María Pálsdóttir; Ulrika K. Stigsdotter; Dennis Persson; Petra Thorpert; Patrik Grahn. The qualities of natural environments that support the rehabilitation process of individuals with stress-related mental disorder in nature-based rehabilitation. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 2018, 29, 312 -321.
AMA StyleAnna María Pálsdóttir, Ulrika K. Stigsdotter, Dennis Persson, Petra Thorpert, Patrik Grahn. The qualities of natural environments that support the rehabilitation process of individuals with stress-related mental disorder in nature-based rehabilitation. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. 2018; 29 ():312-321.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnna María Pálsdóttir; Ulrika K. Stigsdotter; Dennis Persson; Petra Thorpert; Patrik Grahn. 2018. "The qualities of natural environments that support the rehabilitation process of individuals with stress-related mental disorder in nature-based rehabilitation." Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 29, no. : 312-321.
The global burden of depression and stress-related mental disorders is substantial, and constitutes a major need for effective rehabilitation. Can nature-based rehabilitation help people return to work? Objective: To study if the length of a nature-based rehabilitation program affects the outcome with regard to return to work one year after the onset of the program, in a group of patients with long-term reactions to severe stress and/or depression. Methods: A prospective, quasi-experimental study comparing results from 8-, 12-, and 24-week periods of rehabilitation. The rehabilitation of 106 participants was carried out by a multimodal rehabilitation team in a specially designed rehabilitation garden. Return to work data were collected before the intervention and one year after the start of rehabilitation. In addition, data were collected regarding self-assessed occupational competence, personal control, and sense of coherence. As many as 68% of the participants returned to work or participated in job training or work-oriented measures, full- or part-time, after one year. Participants with a longer period of rehabilitation reported better results on occupational competence, and were more likely to participate in paid work, full-time or part-time, one year after rehabilitation. Study outcomes indicate that a longer rehabilitation period in a rehabilitation garden increases the possibility of a return to paid work.
Patrik Grahn; Anna María Pálsdóttir; Johan Ottosson; Ingibjörg H. Jonsdottir. Longer Nature-Based Rehabilitation May Contribute to a Faster Return to Work in Patients with Reactions to Severe Stress and/or Depression. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2017, 14, 1310 .
AMA StylePatrik Grahn, Anna María Pálsdóttir, Johan Ottosson, Ingibjörg H. Jonsdottir. Longer Nature-Based Rehabilitation May Contribute to a Faster Return to Work in Patients with Reactions to Severe Stress and/or Depression. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2017; 14 (11):1310.
Chicago/Turabian StylePatrik Grahn; Anna María Pálsdóttir; Johan Ottosson; Ingibjörg H. Jonsdottir. 2017. "Longer Nature-Based Rehabilitation May Contribute to a Faster Return to Work in Patients with Reactions to Severe Stress and/or Depression." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 14, no. 11: 1310.
Nature-based rehabilitation (NBR) has convincing support in research, yet the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The present study sought to increase understanding of the role of soundscapes in NBR, an aspect paid little attention thus far. Transcribed interviews with 59 patients suffering from stress-related mental disorders and undergoing a 12-week therapy programme in the rehabilitation garden in Alnarp, Sweden, were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenology Analysis (IPA). Described sounds were categorised as natural, technological or human. The results showed that patients frequently referred to natural sounds as being part of a pleasant and “quiet” experience that supported recovery and induced “soft fascination”. Technological sounds were experienced as disturbing, while perception of human sounds varied depending on loudness and the social context. The study further uncovered how sound influenced patients’ behaviour and experiences in the garden, through examination of three cross-theme dimensions that materialised in the study; sound in relation to overall perception, sound in relation to garden usage, and increased susceptibility to sound. The findings are discussed in relation to NBR; the need for a more nuanced understanding of susceptibility to sound among people suffering from mental fatigue was identified and design considerations for future rehabilitation gardens were formulated.
Gunnar Cerwén; Eja Pedersen; Anna-María Pálsdóttir. The Role of Soundscape in Nature-Based Rehabilitation: A Patient Perspective. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2016, 13, 1229 .
AMA StyleGunnar Cerwén, Eja Pedersen, Anna-María Pálsdóttir. The Role of Soundscape in Nature-Based Rehabilitation: A Patient Perspective. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2016; 13 (12):1229.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGunnar Cerwén; Eja Pedersen; Anna-María Pálsdóttir. 2016. "The Role of Soundscape in Nature-Based Rehabilitation: A Patient Perspective." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 13, no. 12: 1229.
This paper presents findings from real life situations, a longitudinal single case study on the role of natural environments in nature-based rehabilitation (NBR) for individuals with stress-related mental disorders, at the Alnarp Rehabilitation Garden in Sweden. A sample of 43 former clients voluntarily participated in semi-structured interview, and the data were analyzed according to interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Three main superordinate themes were identified as the three phases of NBR—Prelude, Recuperating and Empowerment—explaining and illuminating the role of the natural environments in each phase. An explanatory model of NBR in this context is presented including the three phases of NBR, IRP supportive occupations and a pyramid of supporting environments. A new component of supportive environments was identified and herby named, Social quietness, an important component facilitating personal and intimate engagement with the natural environments.
Anna María Pálsdóttir; Dennis Persson; Birgitta Persson; Patrik Grahn. The Journey of Recovery and Empowerment Embraced by Nature — Clients’ Perspectives on Nature-Based Rehabilitation in Relation to the Role of the Natural Environment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2014, 11, 7094 -7115.
AMA StyleAnna María Pálsdóttir, Dennis Persson, Birgitta Persson, Patrik Grahn. The Journey of Recovery and Empowerment Embraced by Nature — Clients’ Perspectives on Nature-Based Rehabilitation in Relation to the Role of the Natural Environment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2014; 11 (7):7094-7115.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnna María Pálsdóttir; Dennis Persson; Birgitta Persson; Patrik Grahn. 2014. "The Journey of Recovery and Empowerment Embraced by Nature — Clients’ Perspectives on Nature-Based Rehabilitation in Relation to the Role of the Natural Environment." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 11, no. 7: 7094-7115.
The aim of this study was to describe and assess changes in participants' experiences of everyday occupations after nature-based vocational rehabilitation (NBVR), to assess changes regarding symptoms of severe stress and the rate of return to work and possible association with experiencing the occupational value of everyday occupations.
Anna María Pálsdóttir; Patrik Grahn; Dennis Persson. Changes in experienced value of everyday occupations after nature-based vocational rehabilitation. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy 2013, 21, 1 -11.
AMA StyleAnna María Pálsdóttir, Patrik Grahn, Dennis Persson. Changes in experienced value of everyday occupations after nature-based vocational rehabilitation. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2013; 21 (1):1-11.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnna María Pálsdóttir; Patrik Grahn; Dennis Persson. 2013. "Changes in experienced value of everyday occupations after nature-based vocational rehabilitation." Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy 21, no. 1: 1-11.