Supporting Personal Growth in Childhood, Adolescent and Young-Adult Cancer Survivors Through Challenges in Nature - A Qualitative Study of WAYA Wilderness Programme Participation

Mats Jong; Trine Stub; Miek C Jong

doi:10.1177/27536130241238150

Supporting Personal Growth in Childhood, Adolescent and Young-Adult Cancer Survivors Through Challenges in Nature - A Qualitative Study of WAYA Wilderness Programme Participation

Glob Adv Integr Med Health. 2024 Mar 8:13:27536130241238150. doi: 10.1177/27536130241238150. eCollection 2024 Jan-Dec.

Authors

Mats Jong¹, Trine Stub², Miek C Jong^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden.
² National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Arctic University of Norway, UiT, Tromsø, Norway.

Abstract

Background: Childhood, adolescent and young-adult (AYA) cancer survivors often experience health problems due to late or long-term effects of their cancer or the treatment thereof. The general population gains health benefits from immersion in nature, and nature-based programmes seem to be an intervention that can promote health among childhood and AYA cancer survivors.

Objective: To explore the impact of the WAYA wilderness programme on the health of childhood and AYA cancer survivors.

Methods: The study had a qualitative approach, with data from individual interviews (n = 18) 3 months after completion of the WAYA programme. In addition, case report data was collected during follow-up talks (1, 2 and 12 months after the programme) (n = 19). The WAYA programme consisted of an 8-day expedition, followed 3 months later by a 4-day base camp. The programme included activities such as hiking, backpacking, kayaking, rock climbing, bushcraft and mindfulness. Data was analysed according to a qualitative content analysis. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) were followed.

Results: An overarching theme was identified: "Personal growth from challenges in nature supported by deep connections with others". In 4 additional themes, participants' experiences describe how deep personal connections arose, as they developed a feeling of being able and competent in nature. Nature provided a space that supported relaxation and respite from everyday challenges and stimuli, which also led to an experience of being more connected to nature.

Conclusion: The WAYA programme was experienced as being of support to childhood and AYA cancer survivors. The programme provided them with skills and tools to be safe in nature. When connected to nature, the participants developed trust and self-confidence, personal growth, relaxation and recovery from stress. Their engagement in outdoor activities continued after completion of the programme, when they returned to everyday life at home.

Keywords: adolescent; adventure therapy; childhood cancer survivor; ecosophy; ecotherapy; forest bathing; mindfulness; outdoor-based therapy.