Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing (대한간호학회지)

Korean Society of Nursing Science (한국간호과학회)
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Healing Effects of the Forest Experience on Alcoholics

숲 체험을 통한 알코올의존자의 치유경험

  • Cha, Jin-Gyung (The Korean Alcohol Research Foundation KARF Men's Facility) ;
  • Kim, Sung-Jae (College of Nursing, The Research Institute of Nursing Science, Seoul National University)
  • 차진경 (한국음주문화연구센터 카프남성거주시설) ;
  • 김성재 (서울대학교 간호대학, 서울대학교 간호과학연구소)
  • Published : 2009.06.26
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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

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