Open Access, Peer-reviewed
eISSN 2093-758X
    J Korean Acad Nurs. 2009 Jun;39(3):338-348. Korean.
    Published online Jun 29, 2009.
    https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2009.39.3.338
    Copyright © 2009 Korean Society of Nursing Science
    Original Article

    Healing Effects of the Forest Experience on Alcoholics

    Jingyung Cha,1 and Sungjae Kim2
      • 1Director, The Korean Alcohol Research Foundation KARF Men's Facility, Korea.
      • 2Associate Professor, College of Nursing, The Research Institute of Nursing Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
    • Address reprint requests to: Kim, Sungjae. College of Nursing, Seoul National University, 28 Yeongeon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-799, Korea. Tel: 82-2-740-8814, Fax: 82-2-766-1852, Email: sungjae@snu.ac.kr
    Received February 01, 2009; Accepted April 16, 2009.

    Abstract

    Purpose

    The purpose of this study was to explore and describe healing effects of the forest on alcoholics through a forest experience program.

    Methods

    The qualitative data was gathered from one focus group discussion with 6 alcoholics and individual interviews with 8 alcoholics. They had all participated in a "healing forest" program. All interviews were recorded and transcribed according to thematic content analysis processes.

    Results

    The four main themes on the attributes of forest were "a lively living being", "placidity and tranquility", "acceptive atmosphere", and "beautifulness as it is" which revealed the participants' perceived nature of the forest which was attributed to the healing effects. Eight other themes on participants' positive changes included "revived senses", "aspired to live", "relieved and relaxed from being tense", "gaining insight on self", "having an acceptive attitude", "becoming compliant with his/her life", "learning that life is being together" and "recognizing the value of one's existence".

    Conclusion

    The findings of the study illustrated the participants' self-healing processes through interactions with the nature of the forest. Nursing interventions utilizing healing atmospheres such as "healing forest" programs can be considered helpful in providing a venue to alcoholics to reflect on their lives affirmatively.

    Keywords
    Qualitative research; Focus groups; Individual interview; Alcoholics; Forest

    Notes

    This study was supported by research funds from Korea Forest Research Institute and The Korean Alcohol Research Foundation.

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    MeSH Terms
    Adult
    Alcoholism/psychology*
    Attitude to Health
    Focus Groups
    Holistic Health
    Humans
    Interviews as Topic
    Male
    Mental Health
    Middle Aged
    Psychiatric Nursing*
    Tape Recording
    Metrics
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