Browsing by Author "Harper, Nevin J."
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Item Adolecent wilderness therapy: The relationship of client outcomes to reasons for referral, motivation for change, and clinical measures(Youth, 2024) Harper, Nevin J.; Dobud, Will; Magnuson, DougOutdoor behavioral healthcare is a specific model and industry utilizing wilderness therapy (WT), a residential treatment approach comprised of outdoor travel and living for youth experiencing mental health, substance use, and behavioral concerns. We present data from 6417 participants about reasons for referral, admission, and discharge scores from the Youth-Outcome Questionnaire (Y-OQ), youth interest and commitment to treatment, reliable change scores, and the relationship between these variables. One-third of youth entered WT with sub-clinical scores, varying levels of client motivation and voluntariness in relation to clinical outcomes, a diverse range of presenting problems without clear indication of specialized treatment planning, and differing responses to treatment by referral reason. Identifying those not responding to WT and those at risk of deterioration from the time of admission requires further investigation to improve client outcomes for this treatment modality. Recommendations include placing increased importance on accurate and thorough screening and assessment, utilizing baseline and routine outcome monitoring, reducing coercion, and considering specialized intervention.Item Adolescent wilderness therapy: The relationship of client outcomes to reasons for referral, motivation for change, and clinical measures(Youth, 2024) Harper, Nevin J.; Dobud, Will W.; Magnuson, DougOutdoor behavioral healthcare is a specific model and industry utilizing wilderness therapy (WT), a residential treatment approach comprised of outdoor travel and living for youth experiencing mental health, substance use, and behavioral concerns. We present data from 6417 participants about reasons for referral, admission, and discharge scores from the Youth-Outcome Questionnaire (Y-OQ), youth interest and commitment to treatment, reliable change scores, and the relationship between these variables. One-third of youth entered WT with sub-clinical scores, varying levels of client motivation and voluntariness in relation to clinical outcomes, a diverse range of presenting problems without clear indication of specialized treatment planning, and differing responses to treatment by referral reason. Identifying those not responding to WT and those at risk of deterioration from the time of admission requires further investigation to improve client outcomes for this treatment modality. Recommendations include placing increased importance on accurate and thorough screening and assessment, utilizing baseline and routine outcome monitoring, reducing coercion, and considering specialized intervention.Item Fostering early adolescent health and planetary well-being through nature: a Delphi study on nature-based literacy(Health Promotion International, 2025) Barrette, Michelle; Naylor, Patti-Jean; Grouzet, Frederick M.E.; Harper, Nevin J.Becoming nature "literate" may promote nature engagement in early adolescence, supporting both health and well-being, while nurturing a sense of environmental stewardship. This study aimed to advance the formative research necessary for the development of a nature-based literacy framework including a set of indicators specific to its measurement during early adolescence. An e-Delphi study design was used with an expert panel comprised of international academics (n=18) and practitioners (n=8). After three rounds, experts agreed key components of nature-based literacy were knowledge, competence, confidence, motivation, experience, connection, and stewardship. The nature-based literacy framework comprehensively represents the intrapersonal factors and related indicators that influence nature engagement, particularly during early adolescence. This will support the development of interventions designed to enhance early adolescent health outcomes, strengthen their connection to nature, and inspire them to value and protect the natural world.Item Nature Elements and Fundamental Motor Skill Development Opportunities at Five Elementary School Districts in British Columbia(International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2017) Lim, Christopher; Donovan, Andrew M.; Harper, Nevin J.; Naylor, Patti-JeanThe majority of Canadian children are not physically active enough for healthy development. School playgrounds are a primary location to promote physical activity and motor skill practice. The benefits of children’s play in nature have also been highlighted, but few studies have evaluated children’s access and exposure to nature for play on school grounds. This study examined children’s access to nature on school grounds and the opportunities afforded by those natural elements for motor skill practice. Results: Extensive naturescapes (multiple nature elements in one setting) were not common, and natural elements were limited, ranging from 1.97 to 5.71 elements/school. The most common element was a forested area (26.5% of all natural elements identified). In comparison to built structures, the number of natural elements was low. Some elements differed between school districts and appeared to be related to local geography and terrain (hilly, rocky terrain, tidal flats, etc.). Our assessment showed that naturescape elements afforded opportunities for the development of some key fundamental motor skills (FMS), specifically, locomotor and stability skills, but opportunities to develop manipulative skills were limited. To maximize potential FMS development, physical literacy, and psycho-social benefits, additional elements or more comprehensive multi-element naturescapes and facilitation (social or environmental) are recommended.Item Nature Elements and Fundamental Motor Skill Development Opportunities at Five Elementary School Districts in British Columbia(International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2017) Lim, Christopher; Donovan, Andrew M.; Harper, Nevin J.; Naylor, Patti-JeanThe majority of Canadian children are not physically active enough for healthy development. School playgrounds are a primary location to promote physical activity and motor skill practice. The benefits of children’s play in nature have also been highlighted, but few studies have evaluated children’s access and exposure to nature for play on school grounds. This study examined children’s access to nature on school grounds and the opportunities afforded by those natural elements for motor skill practice. Results: Extensive naturescapes (multiple nature elements in one setting) were not common, and natural elements were limited, ranging from 1.97 to 5.71 elements/school. The most common element was a forested area (26.5% of all natural elements identified). In comparison to built structures, the number of natural elements was low. Some elements differed between school districts and appeared to be related to local geography and terrain (hilly, rocky terrain, tidal flats, etc.). Our assessment showed that naturescape elements afforded opportunities for the development of some key fundamental motor skills (FMS), specifically, locomotor and stability skills, but opportunities to develop manipulative skills were limited. To maximize potential FMS development, physical literacy, and psycho-social benefits, additional elements or more comprehensive multi-element naturescapes and facilitation (social or environmental) are recommended.Item Nature’s Role in Outdoor Therapies: An Umbrella Review(International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021) Harper, Nevin J.; Fernee, Carina R.; Gabrielsen, Leiv E.Objective: To report on the role of nature in outdoor therapies through review and summary of existing systematic and meta-analytic reviews in an effort to articulate a theoretical framework for practice. Materials and methods: An umbrella review was conducted following systematic protocols PRISMA guidelines. Results: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria and represented five selfidentified approaches: nature-based therapies, forest therapy, horticultural therapy, wilderness therapy, and adventure therapy. Clear and comprehensive descriptions of theory, program structure, and activity details with causal links to outcomes were mostly absent. Conclusions: A rigorous and determined program of research is required in order to explicit in-depth theories of change in outdoor therapies. Conversely, or maybe concurrently, a holistic theory of integrated relatedness may be developed as a parallel expression of support for nature in therapy while the explanatory science catches up.Item The role of wilderness therapy for adolescents in the face of global trends of urbanization and technification(International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 2017) Gabrielsen, Leiv Einar; Harper, Nevin J.This paper discusses how the increased urbanization and technification trends of our time may partly explain the considerable rise in adolescent maladjustment, typically expressed through symptoms of depression and anxiety. The authors argue that if living life increasingly disconnected from the natural world is part of the cause, then reversing, or at least moderating these trends and resultant pathology, must be part of the solution. Evidence-based wilderness therapy approaches have a long history of enabling optimal growth and personal development with adolescents. This article proposes how specific core elements of these often-complex therapeutic outdoor programs can be put to use on a broad scale throughout our communities. We provide examples supporting a three-stage approach to address the deleterious effects of urbanization and technification in adolescents; (1) changing beliefs, (2) education, and (3) planning. Finally we present some practical examples of possible antidote measures.