Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Protective and Therapeutic Potential of Nature

Frontiers in Psychology

article

Anna K. Touloumakos¹  Alexia Barrable⁴ 

[1] Department of Psychology, Panteion University;Centre on Skills, Knowledge and Organisational Performance, Department of Education, University of Oxford, United Kingdom;Department of Education Sciences, Hellenic Open University;School of Education and Social Work, University of Dundee, United Kingdom

关键词: adverse childhood experiences;    trauma;    psychopathology;    nature;    nature-based therapies;    nature-based interventions;    protective factors;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpsyg.2020.597935

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are prevalent in many western populations. Large studies have put the likelihood of having at least one ACE above 50% of the general population. ACEs and the associated experience of chronic stress, moreover, have been consistently linked with a variety of negative physical and psychological health outcomes across the lifespan from behavioral problems and cognitive difficulties early on, to greater chance of suffering from a mental health disorder and engaging in self destructing behaviors. The literature puts forward several protective factors, such as mother-child relations, parental health, and community engagement. In this perspective paper we put forward the potential of regular nature engagement as a possible additional protective factor. Nature’s therapeutic potential has been well documented, for many psychopathologies and mental health difficulties. Yet studies looking at the protective and therapeutic potential of nature with people with ACEs are remarkably limited in numbers. In this perspective piece we conduct a search of the literature to find previous applications of nature as a protective or therapeutic intervention for people with ACEs. We highlight the gap in the current literature, and put forward various mechanisms of action that justify a closer exploration of this area in further research.

【 授权许可】

CC BY