Immigrant women, nature and mental health
International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care
ISSN: 1747-9894
Article publication date: 10 December 2020
Issue publication date: 10 December 2020
Abstract
Purpose
There is a need for cost-effective strategies to counteract mental health challenges among immigrant women. This study aims to identify how nature might improve the mental health status of immigrant women residing in Norway.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative data were gathered through individual interviews with 14 immigrant women from Iran (2), Poland (2), Palestine, Afghanistan, Congo, Kenya, Thailand, Russia, Portugal, Latvia, Colombia and Bulgaria.
Findings
The qualitative content analysis revealed that interaction with nature positively influenced the immigrant women’s mental health. This occurred because of the following: exposure to nature itself, leading to mood enhancements; familiarization with the new country’s culture, nature, climate and language, facilitating feelings of mastery, attachment and belonging; social interactions, promoting immediate well-being and future social support; interacting with nature in familiar ways, reducing feelings of alienation/loss; and physical activity, improving mood and stress-related conditions. These mental health improvements were a result of interactions with various types of natural environments.
Originality/value
This study supports the promotion of interaction with nature among immigrant women as part of low-cost public health work. Practitioners should consider multiple arenas for potential nature-related mental health gains.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the University of South-Eastern Norway for supporting this research project. The authors are also very grateful to the staff at the Public Health Center and the Norwegian language-practice gatherings for their help in the recruitment process. The authors are especially grateful to the 14 participating women for offering their time and sharing their stories with us. The authors would like to thank Editage (www.editage.com) for English language editing.
Citation
Lorentzen, C.A.N. and Viken, B. (2020), "Immigrant women, nature and mental health", International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 359-372. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMHSC-11-2019-0089
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited