Green Care: A Conceptual Framework - Frisk i naturen

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Theories and constructs used in
conjunction with green care
In this section we will briefly review the concepts, theories and models that
have been used in conjunction with various green care approaches. Some,
such as Attention Restoration Theory (ART) are closely tied to specific
interventions (therapeutic horticulture in the case of ART) whilst others
have been used more generally or have not been used in the context of
green care but we consider them to be relevant. The purpose of these short
descriptions is to act as signposts to the relevant literature. References are
given at the end of each subsection.
6.1 Multifactorial mechanisms
The beneficial effects of green care services on human health and
well-being may be mediated by a number of different mechanisms –
psychological, social and physiological. Animals, for example, may be
beneficial to humans because they are part of nature; are nice to touch
and stroke; are a subject to care for; serve as a social companion or even
a social catalyst; or serve as the subject for work that a person manages to
accomplish successfully which results in enhanced self-efficacy and coping
ability. Working with and experiencing plants, gardens or other aspects
of a farm environment may have similar effects. It is likely that several
mechanisms may be operating, either simultaneously or sequentially,
representing different ways in which nature positively impacts on human
health and well-being. Such mechanisms may depend on aspects of
the target group and the type of nature or service offered to the clients.
Everything else being constant, pronounced individual variation is to be
expected as to which mechanism is the predominant one. This all poses a
great challenge to research and may explain the occurrence of conflicting
results between some studies.
6.2 The Biophilia hypothesis
The Biophilia hypothesis proposes that human beings have an instinctive
attachment to the natural world. The naturalist E. O. Wilson is the most
frequently-cited proponent of this concept and his book ‘Biophilia’
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