Opening the Outdoors: Experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Adults in Outdoor Occupations to Support Mental Health

Authors

Jasmine Reynoso, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow
Amy Lyons-Brown, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow

Files

Description

This mixed methods study explores the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) adults in exploring and engaging in outdoor occupations to support mental health. Through 15 survey responses and 2 semi-structured interviews, data was collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and reflective thematic analysis. The findings revealed three overarching themes: Barriers to Outdoor Occupations, Facilitators to Encourage Participation, and Personally Experienced Benefits. Participants explained how outdoor activities contribute to improved mental health, emotional regulation, and a sense of holistic well-being. By addressing the gap in research on nature-based occupations within BIPOC communities, this study highlights the need for occupational therapists to develop culturally responsive, community-based interventions that promote accessibility, inclusion, and mental health support through nature. The study also emphasizes the need for advocacy, representation, and program development to expand access to meaningful outdoor engagement for underserved populations.

Publication Date

Spring 4-21-2025

Publisher

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Keywords

Occupational therapy, Nature-based therapy, Outdoor occupations, Mental health, BIPOC, Occupational justice, Environmental justice

Medical Subject Headings

Occupational therapy, Nature-based therapy, Outdoor occupations, Mental health, BIPOC, Occupational justice, Environmental justice

Disciplines

Environmental Public Health | Ethnic Studies | Occupational Therapy | Other Mental and Social Health

Comments

Poster presented at the in-person OTD Capstone Symposium, held at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences on April 21, 2025.

Recommended Citation

Reynoso, J., & Lyons-Brown, A. (2025, April 21). Opening the Outdoors: Experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Adults in Outdoor Occupations to Support Mental Health. Poster presented at the Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium, University of St Augustine for Health Sciences. Retrieved from https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/64

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.