Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Protective and Therapeutic Potential of Nature

Anna K. Touloumakos, Alexia Barrable (Lead / Corresponding author)

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    7 Citations (Scopus)
    143 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are prevalent in many western populations. Large studies have put the likelihood of having at least one ACE above 50% of the general population. ACEs and the associated experience of chronic stress, moreover, have been consistently linked with a variety of negative physical and psychological health outcomes across the lifespan from behavioral problems and cognitive difficulties early on, to greater chance of suffering from a mental health disorder and engaging in self destructing behaviors. The literature puts forward several protective factors, such as mother-child relations, parental health, and community engagement. In this perspective paper we put forward the potential of regular nature engagement as a possible additional protective factor. Nature’s therapeutic potential has been well documented, for many psychopathologies and mental health difficulties. Yet studies looking at the protective and therapeutic potential of nature with people with ACEs are remarkably limited in numbers. In this perspective piece we conduct a search of the literature to find previous applications of nature as a protective or therapeutic intervention for people with ACEs. We highlight the gap in the current literature, and put forward various mechanisms of action that justify a closer exploration of this area in further research.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number597935
    Pages (from-to)597935
    Number of pages9
    JournalFrontiers in Psychology
    Volume11
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 26 Nov 2020

    Keywords

    • adverse childhood experiences
    • nature
    • nature-based interventions
    • nature-based therapies
    • protective factors
    • psychopathology
    • trauma

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General Psychology

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