Therapeutic Potential of Time in Nature:Implications for Body Image in Women

摘要

This qualitative study examines time spent in nature and the im-nplications this holds for body image. Body image is defined as theninner perception of outer appearances and has been linked to variousnpsychological disturbances, such as body dysmorphic disorder, an-norexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa. Connection to nature andnwilderness experiences are currently being explored by the field ofnecopsychology as a healing modality for issues such as depression,nlow self-esteem, and well-being. Using feminist and organic researchnmethods, this study inquired into the lived experiences of 12 workingnand middle-class women aged 24–54, to examine the impact of timenspent in nature on body image. In-depth interviews were conductednusing a semistructured format in order to allow experiences to benshared in a natural progression. Participants reviewed informationnfrom the interviews to ensure that accurate portrayals of experiencesnwere recorded. Results of this organic inquiry supported the idea thatnspending time in natural settings improved body image by way ofndistancing women from the cultural context, increasing embodiednexperiences, and supporting connection to nature. This study wasnconcluded with a discussion of the interviews and the implicationsnthe data may have for developing alternative methods of addressingnnegative body image in women.