Ecotherapy through a discursive lens: nature-based activities, mental health, and local constructions of human-nature relationship

Mulya, Teguh Wijaya and Tjahjono, Harijanto and Prijonggo, Wahju and Sutanto, Nadia (2024) Ecotherapy through a discursive lens: nature-based activities, mental health, and local constructions of human-nature relationship. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning. ISSN 1472-9679; E-ISSN 1754-0402

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Abstract

Contemporary studies on nature-based activities have evidenced mental health benefits of being in/with nature. Previous quantitative studies generally verified the effectiveness of ecotherapy, and qualitative studies identified the healing mechanisms. However, existing studies on ecotherapy have not considered local contextualities in understanding the psychology of nature-based activities, as if nature is experienced in a relatively universal way across cultures. Drawing upon insights from discursive psychology, this article explores the ways local socio-culturalideological discourses constitute one’s understanding about and relationship with nature, and how it might enable/limit mental health benefits. Based on the authors’ reflections during the development of an ecotherapy project in Indonesia, this article argues that ecotherapy does not operate in a discursive vacuum, but instead, mental health benefits of nature-based activities were constituted through various cultural, spiritual, gender, ableist, ethnic, and class-related discourses. The implications are discussed in relation to how ecotherapy can be more contextual, inclusive, and diverse.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Ecotherapy; contextuality; discourse analysis; Indonesia
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions:	Faculty of Psychology > Department of Psychology
Depositing User:	Teguh Wijaya Mulya205905
Date Deposited:	31 Jul 2024 09:21
Last Modified:	31 Jul 2024 09:21
URI:	http://repository.ubaya.ac.id/id/eprint/46804

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