• About us

  The purpose of the portal is to create synergies between different research projects that encompass nature and human health. It is set up to encourage cross-sectorial and cross-disciplinary collaboration and networking.

  The portal presents research with both health-promoting and therapeutic themes. Our aim is to promote a Nordic dialogue on topics related to nature and human health.

  All publications presented in the portal are peer-reviewed, or meet our academic standards and are affiliated with an approved research institution, organization, or firm in Norway.

  The University of Copenhagen released the first edition of the portal in November 2014, and this Norwegian webpage represents the second site within the Nordic research network.

  To facilitate communication within this network, the editorial language of the portal is English. The Norwegian portal was initiated by Norsk friluftsliv  (formerly FRIFO) and developed by the Department of Public Health Science at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences.

• Nature and human health research

  Research on nature and human health relations investigates the mechanisms underlying how and why experience of nature environments can have positive influences on people's health.

  This research field requires an international and multidisciplinary approach, using a wide range of research questions to understand how interacting with the natural environment can affect human health and wellbeing.

  From a health-promoting perspective, the research explores how people can benefit from having access to supportive and restorative nature environments, which can include neighborhoods, urban parks, schools, playgrounds, workplaces, and other green spaces. From a therapeutic perspective, the research explores how nature settings or elements can be used in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and care farms that offer rehabilitation programs and vocational training.

  Core research questions:

  • How can experiences in nature promote health?
  • How can public urban greenspaces be designed to promote health-behavior and offer stress relief for city dwellers?
  • How can nature elements be used as a health resource in the planning of residential areas, schools, playgrounds, and workplaces? 
  • How can nature settings be designed for therapeutic purposes for specific patient groups?
  • How can nature-based rehabilitation programs be structured and carried out?
• Online resources

  

  Norsk Friluftsliv /Norwegian Association for Outdoor Organisations
  

  

  Friluftsrådenes Landsforbund
  

  

  Nature, Health and Design
  University of Copenhagen

• Research Projects

  

  Barn og natur
  Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA)

  

  Demensomsorg på gård
  

  

  
  Cultivating urban spaces: Urban agriculture as a basis for human flourishing and sustainability transition in Norwegian cities

Publications

Browse selected academic publications that investigate or discuss nature and human health relations. The selected publications are peer-reviewed or deemed by the editors of this portal to be of academic quality. All are affiliated with an approved research institution, organization or firm in Norway.

The publications are grouped by their environmental setting or by the activities in nature they involve.

• Outdoor recreation / Nature-people interaction

  Reviews/theoretical papers

  • Calogiuri, G., & Chroni, S. (2014). The impact of the natural environment on the promotion of active living: An integrative systematic review. Bmc Public Health, 14, 27.
  • Grinde, B., & Patil, G. G. (2009). Biophilia: does visual contact with nature impact on health and well-being? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 6(9), 2332-2343.
  • Johnsen, S. Å. K. (2011). The use of nature for emotion regulation: Toward a conceptual framework. Ecopsychology, 3(3), 175-185.
  • Stormark, K. M. (2008). Tilbake til naturen? Om helsemessige gevinster av naturmiljø. Naturen, 4, 166-174.
  • Strumse, E. (2007). Psykologiske perspektiver på forholdet mellom menneske og natur. Tidsskrift for Norsk Psykologforening, 44(8), 988-990.
  • Tellnes, G. (2008). Samspillet Natur-Kultur-Helse i et medisinsk-historisk perspektiv. Michael 5(3), 264-276.
  • Vistad, O. I., Thoren, A.-K. H., Skår, M., Wold, L. C., Nordh, H., & Gundersen, V. (2014). Berre ein liten tur…!? Kunnskapsstatus om indre og ytre hindringar for kvardagsturen. Tidsskriftet Utmark(1 og 2)

  Empirical studies

  • Batt-Rawden, K. B., & Tellnes, G. (2005). Nature-culture-health activities as a method of rehabilitation: an evaluation of participants' health, quality of life and function. International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, 28(2), 175-180.
  • Bere, E., & Westersjo, J. H. (2013). Nature trips and traditional methods for food procurement in relation to weight status. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 41(2), 180-184.
  • Broch, T. B. (2020). Sensing seascapes: How affective atmospheres guide city youths’ encounters with the ocean’s multivocality. Journal of Sport and Social Issues, 1-18.
  • Calogiuri, G., & Elliott, L. R. (2017). Why do people exercise in natural environments? Norwegian adults’ motives for nature-, gym-, and sports-based exercise. International journal of environmental research and public health, 14(4), 377.
  • Calogiuri, G., Litleskare, S., Fagerheim, K. A., Rydgren, T. L., Brambilla, E., & Thurston, M. (2017). Experiencing Nature Through Immersive Virtual Environments: Environmental Perceptions, Physical Engagement, and Affective Responses During a Simulated Nature Walk. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 2321.
  • Calogiuri, G., & Elliott, L. R. (2017). Why Do People Exercise in Natural Environments? Norwegian Adults’ Motives for Nature-, Gym-, and Sports-Based Exercise. International journal of environmental research and public health, 14(4), 377.
  • Calogiuri, G. (2016). Natural Environments and Childhood Experiences Promoting Physical Activity, Examining the Mediational Effects of Feelings about Nature and Social Networks. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 13(4), 439.
  • Calogiuri, G., Evensen, K., Weydahl, K., Andersson, K., Patil, G., Ihlebæk,C., & Raanaas, R. K. (2015). Green exercise as a workplace intervention to reduce job stress. Results from a pilot study. Work, 53(1), 99-111.
  • Calogiuri, G., Nordtug, H., & Weydahl, A. (2015). The potential of using exercise in nature as an intervention to enhance exercise behaviour: Results from a pilot study.  Perceptual & Motor Skills, 121(2), 350-370.
  • Eikenaes, I., Gude, T., & Hoffart, A. (2006). Integrated wilderness therapy for avoidant personality disorder. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 60(4), 275-281.
  • Fasting, M. L., Høyem, J., Neresen, C. F., & Johansen, B. T. (2023). Friluftsliv og psykisk helsearbeid: Hvordan sosialt friluftsliv, bevegelsesglede og naturnærvær kan bidra til livsmestring. Tidsskrift for psykisk helsearbeid, 20(3), 174–186.
  • Fongar, C., Aamodt, G., Randrup, T. B., & Solfjeld, I. (2019). Does perceived green space quality matter? Linking Norwegian adult perspectives on perceived quality to motivation and frequency of visits. International journal of environmental research and public health, 16(13), 2327.
  • Johnsen, S. Å. K., Brown, M. K., & Rydstedt, L. W. (2022). Restorative experiences across seasons? Effects of outdoor walking and relaxation exercise during lunch breaks in summer and winter. Landscape Research, 47(5), 664-678.
  • Laumann, K., Garling, T., & Stormark, K. M. (2001). Rating scale measures of restorative components of environments. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 21(1), 31-44.
  • Laumann, K., Garling, T., & Stormark, K. M. (2003). Selective attention and heart rate responses to natural and urban environments. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 23(2), 125-134.
  • Lorentzen, C. A. N., & Viken, B. (2022). Influences on Outdoor Recreation Behavior Among Immigrant Women in Norway. Nordic Journal of Migration Research, 12(1), 38–53.
  • Næss, S., & Hansen, T. (2012). Naturelskere og naturbrukere.Tidsskrift for samfunnsforskning(4), 406-427.
  • Petersen, E., Fiske, A. P., & Schubert, T. W. (2019). The Role of Social Relational Emotions for Human-Nature Connectedness [Perspective]. Frontiers in Psychology, 10 (2759).
  • Petersen, E., & Martin, A. J. (2021). Kama Muta (≈ Being Moved) Helps Connect People in and to Nature: A Photo Elicitation Approach. Ecopsychology, 13(1), 37-47.
  • Riese, H., & Vorkinn, M. (2002). The Production of Meaning in Outdoor Recreation: A Study of Norwegian Practice. Norsk Geografisk Tidsskrift, 56(3), 199-206.
  • Saether, E., Mikalsen, S., & Lagestad, P. (2023). Changes in friluftsliv (outdoor recreation) activities among Norwegian adolescents during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 5, 1215611.
  • Skår, M. (2010). Forest dear and forest fear Dwellers' relationships to their neighbourhood forest. Landscape and Urban Planning, 98(2), 110-116.

  Books & book chapters

  • Breivik, G. (2013). Jakten på et bedre liv: fysisk aktivitet i den norske befolkning 1985-2011. Oslo: Universitetsforlaget.
  • Hågvar, S., Støen, H. A., Grendstad, K., Asheim, V., & Nordbakke, R. (1996). Grønn velferd: vårt behov for naturkontakt: fra bypark til villmarksopplevelse. Oslo: Kommuneforlaget.
  • Strumse, E. (2012). Psykologisk forskning om miljøestetikk: bare om smak og behag? In A. Fyhri, Hauge, Å. L., & Nordh, H. (Eds.), Norsk miljøpsykologi. Mennesker og omgivelser (pp. 283-307). Oslo: SINTEF Akademisk forlaget.
  • Tellnes, G. (2003). Samspillet natur - kultur - helse: NaKuHel-konseptet i teori og praksis. Oslo: Unipub.
  • Thorén, A.-K. H. (2005). Community planning - how can planning contribute to a more physical activity friendly environment? Tellnes, G (Ed.): Urbanisation and health: new challenges in health promotion and prevention. Oslo: Unipub.
  • Velarde, M. D., Tveit, M. S., & Hagerhall, C. M. (2010). The link between landscape preferences and perceived restorativeness. Current research trends and suggestions for future studies. In J. Valentin & L. Gamez (Eds.), Environmental Psychology: New Developments (pp. 235-242). Hauppauge: Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

  PhD theses

  • Bischoff, A. (2012). Mellom meg og det andre finds det stier: en avhandling om stier, mennesker og naturopplevelse. (2012:32), Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås.
  • Johnsen, S. Å. K. (2014). Using the natural environment for emotion regulation: conceptual and empirical explorations. (2014:280), Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU, Trondheim.
  • Laumann, K. (2004). Restorative and stress-reducing effects of natural environments: experiencal, behavioural and cardiovascular indices. Research Centre for Health Promotion, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen.
  • Skår, M. (2010). Experiencing nature in everyday life. (2010:7), Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås.

  Reports

  • Bischoff, A., Marcussen, J., & Reiten, T. (2007). Friluftsliv og helse: en kunnskapsoversikt. Bø: Høgskolen i Telemark.
  • Dervo, B. K., Skår, M., Köhler, B., Øian, H., Vistad, O. I., Andersen, O., & Gundersen, V. (2014). Friluftsliv i Norge anno 2014 – status og utfordringer (NINA-rapport 1073). Lillehammer: Norsk institutt for naturforskning.
  • Figari, H., Haaland, H., & Krange, O. (2009). Friluftsliv som hverdagsliv: innvandrerkvinners bruk av utendørsområder i Groroddalen (NINA-rapport 479). Trondheim: Norsk institutt for naturforskning.
  • Grut, L. (2005). Helse - mestring - naturopplevelse. Friluftsliv som et ledd i forebyggende og helsefremmende arbeid for personer med kroniske lidelser (SINTEF-rapport). Oslo: SINTEF.
  • Gundersen, V. (2009). Livet mellom trærne. En beskrivelse av forholdet mellom menneske og skog. In B. Langerud (Ed.), Forskning fra Skog og landskap (Rapport nr. 8). Ås: Skog og landskap.
  • Helgesen, M. K., Holm, A., Monkerud, L. C., Schmidt, L. (2014). Bolig og folkehelse – hva er sammenhengen? (NIBR-rapport 2014:16). Oslo: Norsk institutt for by- og regionforskning.
  • Kurtze, N., Eikemo, T., Hem, K.-G. (2009). Analyse og dokumentasjon av friluftslivets effekt på folkehelse og livskvalitet (SINTEF-rapport A11851 ). Oslo: SINTEF.
  • Nordisk ministerråd (2009). Naturopplevelse, friluftsliv og vår psykiske helse: Rapport fra det nordiske miljøprosjektet «Friluftsliv og psykisk helse» (TemaNord 2009:545). Oslo: Miljøverndepartementet.
  • Sjong, M.-L. (1992). Friluftsliv i behandlingen av belastede grupper: en oversikt over forskning og utredning (Rapport nr. 8). Trondheim: Direktoratet for naturforvaltning.
  • Strumse, E., & Aarø, L. E. (2000). Menneske, miljø og livskvalitet. Faglig sluttrapport for forskningsprogram om Miljøbetinget livskvalitet. Oslo: Norges forskningsråd.
  • Vaage, O. F. (2009). Mosjon, friluftsliv og kulturaktiviteter. Resultater fra Levekårsundersøkelsene fra 1997 til 2007 (SSB rapport 15). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå.
  • Vistad, O. I., Gundersen, V., Wold, L. C., Skår, M., Rybråten, S., & Dokk, J. G. (2018). Effekter av å skilte og merke en eksisterende turrute. En undersøkelse av Turskilt-prosjekter i Vestby og i Brumunddal (NINA Rapport 1440). Lillehammer: Norsk institutt for naturforskning.
  • Vogt, T. (1987). Friluftsliv og helse (SSB rapport 22). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå.
• Urban greenspace

  Reviews/theoretical papers

  • Gardsjord, H. S., Tveit, M. S., & Nordh, H. (2014). Promoting Youth's Physical Activity through Park Design: Linking Theory and Practice in a Public Health Perspective. Landscape Research, 39(1), 70-81.

  Empirical studies

  • Nordh, H. (2012). Quantitative methods of measuring restorative components in urban public parks. Journal of Landscape Architecture, 7(1), 46-53.
  • Nordh, H., Alalouch, C., & Hartig, T. (2011). Assessing restorative components of small urban parks using conjoint methodology. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 10(2), 95-103.
  • Nordh, H., Hagerhall, C. M., & Holmqvist, K. (2013). Tracking restorative components: Patterns in eye movements as a consequence of a restorative rating task. Landscape Research, 38(1), 101-116.
  • Nordh, H., Hartig, T., Hagerhall, C. M., & Fry, G. (2009). Components of small urban parks that predict the possibility for restoration. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 8(4), 225-235.
  • Nordh, H., & Ostby, K. (2013). Pocket parks for people - A study of park design and use. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 12(1), 12-17.
  • Pouso, S., Borja, Á., Fleming, L. E., Baggethun, E., White, M. P., & Uyarra, M. C. (2021). Contact with blue-green spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown beneficial for mental health. Science of the total environment, 756, 143984.
  • Suarez, M., Barton, D. N., Cimburova, Z., Rusch, G. M., Gomez-Baggethun, E., & Onaindia, M. (2020). Environmental justice and outdoor recreation opportunities: A spatially explicit assessment in Oslo metropolitan area, Norway. Environmental Science & Policy, 108, 133–143.
  • Venter, Z. S., Barton, D. N., Gundersen, V., Figari, H., & Nowell, M. (2020). Urban nature in a time of crisis: Recreational use of green space increases during the COVID-19 outbreak in Oslo, Norway. Environmental Research Letters, 15(10), 104075.
  • Venter, Z. S., Barton, D. N., Gundersen, V., Figari, H., & Nowell, M. S. (2021). Back to nature: Norwegians sustain increased recreational use of urban green space months after the COVID-19 outbreak. Landscape and urban planning, 214, 104175.

  • Bjerke, T., Østdahl, T., Thrane, C., & Strumse, E. (2006). Vegetation density of urban parks and perceived appropriateness for recreation. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 5(1), 35-44.
  • Evensen, K. H., Raanaas, R. K., & Fyhri, A. (2016). Soundscape and perceived suitability for recreation in an urban designated quiet zone. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 20, 243-248.
  • Juul, V., & Nordbø, E. C. A. (2023). Examining activity-friendly neighborhoods in the Norwegian context: green space and walkability in relation to physical activity and the moderating role of perceived safety. BMC Public Health, 23(1), 259-259.
  • Ihlebæk, C., Aamodt, G., Aradi, R., Claussen, B., & Thoren, A.-K. H. (2018). The association between urban green space and self-reported lifestyle-related disorders in Oslo, Norway. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health 46 (6), 589-596
  • Nordh, H., Evensen, K. H., & Skår, M. (2017). A peaceful place in the city—A qualitative study of restorative components of the cemetery. Landscape and Urban Planning, 167, 108-117.

  Books & book chapters

  • Nordh, H., Thoren, A.-K. H. (2012). Utemiljø i byen. In A. Fyhri, Hauge, Å. L., & Nordh, H. (Ed.), Norsk miljøpsykologi. Mennesker og omgivelser (pp. 237-259). Oslo: SINTEF Akademisk forlag

  PhD Theses

  • Nordh, H. (2010). Restorative components of small urban parks (2010:30), Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås.

  Reports

  • Waaseth, G. (2006). Virkning av grøntområder i byer og tettsteder på menneskers helse og trivsel - En litteraturgjennomgang (Bioforsk FOKUS, 1(6)). Ås: Bioforsk.
  • Figari, H., Haaland, H. & Krange, O. 2009. Friluftsliv som hverdagsliv. Innvandrerkvinners bruk av utendørsområder i Groruddalen (NINA Rapport 479). Lillehammer: Norsk institutt for naturforskning.
  • Figari, H., Krange, O. & Nordbakke, S., (2019). Bruk og tilrettelegging av urban natur. En kunnskapssyntese (NINA Rapport 1684). Lillehammer: Norsk institutt for naturforskning.
• Children and youth settings

  Reviews/theoretical papers

  • Borge, A. I., Nordhagen, R., & Lie, K. K. (2003). Children in the environment: forest day-care centers: modern day care with historical antecedents. The History of the Family, 8(4), 605-618.
  • Gardsjord, H. S., Tveit, M. S., & Nordh, H. (2014). Promoting Youth's Physical Activity through Park Design: Linking Theory and Practice in a Public Health Perspective. Landscape Research, 39(1), 70-81.
  • Nordbø, E. C. A., Nordh, H., Raanaas, R. K., & Aamodt, G. (2018). GIS-derived measures of the built environment determinants of mental health and activity participation in childhood and adolescence: A systematic review. Landscape and urban planning, 177, 19-37.
  • Pedersen Gurholt, K. (2023). Governance of nature-based health promotion: public policy and volunteer organisations’ innovations of outdoor activities among urban youth. Sport, Education and Society, 1–14.

  Empirical studies

  • Aasen, W., Grindheim, L. T., & Waters, J. (2009). The outdoor environment as a site for children's participation, meaning-making and democratic learning: examples from Norwegian kindergartens. Education 3–13, 37(1), 5-13.
  • Alme, H. & Reime, M. A. (2021). Nature kindergartens: A space for children’s participation. Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education, 24(2), 113–131.
  • Aradi, R. (2010). Kartlegging av barns bruk av plass. Erfaringer fra Fredrikstad, Norge. Kart og Plan, 4, 295-310.
  • Aradi, R., Thorén, K. H., & Fjørtoft, I. (2016). The urban landscape as affordance for adolescents’ everyday physical activity. Landscape Research, 41(5), 569–584.
  • Bjørgen, K. (2015). Children’s Well-being and Involvement in Physically Active Outdoors Play in a Norwegian Kindergarten: Playful Sharing of Physical Experiences. Child Care in Practice, 21(4), 305–323.
  • Bjørgen, K. (2016). Physical activity in light of affordances in outdoor environments: Qualitative observation studies of 3–5 years olds in kindergarten. SpringerPlus, 5(1), 950.
  • Fasting, M. L. (2015). Klatring i trær og hyttebygging: – om barns lek og lekesteder ute. Nordisk barnehageforskning, 10.
  • Fiskum, T. A., & Jacobsen, K. (2012). Individual Differences and Possible Effects from Outdoor Education: Long Time and Short Time Benefits. World Journal of Education, 2(4), p20.
  • Fiskum, T. A., & Jacobsen, K. (2012). Relation Between the School Environment and the Children’s Behaviour. Open Education Journal, 5, 39-51.
  • Fiskum, T. A., & Jacobsen, K. (2013). Outdoor education gives fewer demands for action regulation and an increased variability of affordances. Journal of Adventure Education & Outdoor Learning, 13(1), 76-99.
  • Fjørtoft, I., & Sageie, J. (2000). The natural environment as a playground for children - Landscape description and analyses of a natural playscape. Landscape and Urban Planning, 48(1-2), 83-97.
  • Fjørtoft, I., Løfman, O., & Thorén, A.-K. H. (2010). Schoolyard physical activity in 14-year-old adolescents assessed by mobile GPS and heart rate monitoring analysed by GIS. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 38, 28-37.
  • Gundersen, V., Skar, M., O’Brien, L., Wold, L. C., & Follo, G. (2016). Children and nearby nature: A nationwide parental survey from Norway. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 17, 116–125.
  • Hagen, T. L. (2015). Hvilken innvirkning har barnehagens fysiske utemiljø på barns lek og de ansattes pedagogiske praksis i uterommet. Nordisk barnehageforskning, 10.
  • Haug, E., Torsheim, T., Sallis, J. F. & Samdal, O. (2010). The characteristics of the outdoor school environment associated with physical activity. Health Education Research, 25(2), 248–256.
  • Kjønniksen, L., Wiium, N., & Fjørtoft, I. (2022). Affordances of School Ground Environments for Physical Activity: A Case Study on 10- and 12-Year-Old Children in a Norwegian Primary School. Frontiers in Public Health, 10.
  • Lysklett, O. B., Berg, A., & Moe, B. (2019). Motor competence and physical fitness among children attending nature preschools and traditional preschools. International Journal of Play, 8(1), 53–64.
  • Moen, K. H., Bakke, H. K., Bakke, O., & Fors, E. A. (2007). Preschool children's sickness absenteeism from Norwegian regular and outdoor day care centres: A comparative study. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 35(5), 490-496.
  • Moser, T., & Martinsen, M. T. (2010). The outdoor environment in Norwegian kindergartens as pedagogical space for toddlers' play, learning and development. European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, 18(4), 457-471.
  • Nordbo, E. C. A., Raanaas, R. K., Nordh, H. & Aamodt, G. (2019). Neighborhood green spaces, facilities and population density as predictors of activity participation among 8-year-olds: A cross-sectional GIS study based on the Norwegian mother and child cohort study. BMC Public Health, 19(1), 1426.
  • Nordbø, E. C. A., Raanaas, R. K., Nordh, H. & Aamodt, G. (2020). Disentangling how the built environment relates to children’s well-being: Participation in leisure activities as a mediating pathway among 8-year-olds based on the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Health & Place, 64, 102360.
  • Sanderud, J. R., & Gurholt, K. P. (2014). Barns nysgjerrige lek i natur – Utforskende dannelse. Nordic Studies in Education, 34(1), 3–20.
  • Sando, O. J. (2019). The outdoor environment and children’s health: A multilevel approach. International Journal of Play, 8(1), 39–52.
  • Sando, O. J., & Sandseter, E. B. H. (2020). Affordances for physical activity and well-being in the ECEC outdoor environment. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 69, 101430.
  • Sandseter, E. B. H. (2009). Affordances for Risky Play in Preschool: The Importance of Features in the Play Environment. Early Childhood Education Journal, 36(5), 439–446.
  • Stokke, A. (2011). Et blikk på barns vilkår for fysisk aktivitet i barnehager. En komparativ studie, 1981 og 2009. Barn – forskning om barn og barndom i Norden, 29(1).
  • Storli, R., & Hagen, T. L. (2010). Affordances in outdoor environments and children's physically active play in pre‐school. European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, 18(4), 445-456.
  • Ulset, V., Vitaro, F., Brendgen, M., Bekkhus, M., & Borge, A. I. (2017). Time spent outdoors during preschool: Links with children's cognitive and behavioral development. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 52, 69-80.

  Books & book chapters

  • Barane, J., Hugo, A., & Clemetsen, M. (2015). Kunnskap for ei felles framtid: lokal forankring av læreplanen. Bergen: Fagbokforlaget

  PhD theses

  • Aradi, R. (2013). How the environment affords physical activity in adolescents´ outdoor environment in physical activity research (2013:28), Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås.
  • Fjørtoft, I. (2000). Landscape as playscape: learning effects from playing in a natural environment on motor development in children. Norwegian University of Sport and Physical Education, Oslo.

  Reports

  • Broch, T. B., Gundersen, V., Vistad, O. I., Selvaag, S. K. & Wold, L. C. (2022). Barn og natur – Organiserte møteplasser for samvær og naturglede (NINA Temahefte 87). Lillehammer: Norsk institutt for naturforskning.
  • Fjørtoft, I., & Reiten, T. (2003). Barn og unges relasjoner til natur og friluftsliv: en kunnskapsoversikt (Rapport nr. 10). Bø: Høgskolen i Telemark.

  Skår, M., Gundersen, V., Bischoff, A., Follo, G. I., Pareliussen, I., Stordahl, G., & Tordsson, B. S. (2014). Barn og natur. Nasjonal spørreundersøkelse om barn og natur. (NINA Temahefte 54). Lillehammer: Norsk institutt for naturforskning.

  Thorén, K.H, Nordbø E.C.A., Nordh, H., Ottesen I.Ø. (2019). Uteområder i barnehager og skoler. Hvordan sikre kvalitet i utformingen. Ås: Norges miljø- og biovitenskapelige universitet.

  Tordsson, B. S., & Vale, L. S. R. (2013). Barn, unge og natur - en studie og drøftelse av faglitteratur. Bø: Høgskolen i Telemark.

• Care farming / Human-animal interactions

  Reviews/theoretical papers

  • Berget, B., & Braastad, B. O. (2008). Theoretical Framework for Animal-Assisted Interventions- Implications for Practice. Therapeutic Communities: International Journal for Therapeutic and Supportive Organizations, 23(3), 323-338.
  • Thodberg, K., Berget, B., & Lidfors, L. (2014). Research in the use of animals as a treatment for humans. Animal Frontiers, 4(3), 43-48.
  • Pedersen, I., Patil, G., Berget, B., Ihlebæk, C., & Thorsen Gonzalez, M. (2015). Mental Health Rehabilitation in a Care Farm Context: A Descriptive Review of Norwegian Intervention Studies. Work, 53(1), 31-43.
  • Steigen, A., M., Kogstad R., & Hummelvoll, J. K. (2015). Green Care services in the Nordic countries: an integrative literature review. European Journal of Social Work, 1-24.

  Empirical studies

  • 2018
  • Ibsen, T. L., Eriksen, S., & Patil, G. G. (2018). Farm-based day care in Norway–a complementary service for people with dementia. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 11, 349.
  • 2017
  • Hassink, J., De Bruin, S. R., Berget, B., & Elings, M. (2017). Exploring the Role of Farm Animals in Providing Care at Care Farms. Animals, 7(6), 45.
  • Myren, G. E. S., Enmarker, I. C., Hellzen, O., & Saur, E. (2017). The Influence of Place on Everyday Life: Observations of Persons with Dementia in Regular Day Care and at the Green Care Farm. Health, 2017, 9, 261-278.
  • Sudmann, T. T., & Børsheim, I. T. (2017). ‘It’s good to be useful’: activity provision on green care farms in Norway for people living with dementia. International Practice Development Journal 7, (Suppl).
  • 2016
  • Ellingsen-Dalskau, L. H., Berget, B., Pedersen, I., Tellnes, G., & Ihlebæk, C. (2016). Understanding how prevocational training on care farms can lead to functioning, motivation and well-being. Disability and rehabilitation, 38(25), 2504-2513.
  • Jøranson, N., Pedersen, I., Rokstad, A. M., Aamodt, G., Olsen, C., & Ihlebæk, C. (2016). Group activity with Paro in nursing homes: systematic investigation of behaviors in participants. International psychogeriatrics/IPA, 28(8), 1345–1354.
  • Jøranson, N., Pedersen, I., Rokstad, A. M. M., & Ihlebæk, C. (2016). Change in quality of life in older people with dementia participating in Paro‐activity: a cluster‐randomized controlled trial. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 72(12), 3020-3033.
  • Kern-Godal, A., Brenna, I.H., Arnevik, E. K., Ravndal, E. (2016). More than just a break from treatment: How substance use disorder patients experience the stable environment in horse-assisted therapy. Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment, 10, 99-108.
  • Kern-Godal, A., Brenna, I.H., Kogstad, N., Arnevik, E. K., Ravndal, E. (2016). Contribution of the patient-horse relationship to substance use disorder treatment: Patients' experiences. International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being, 11.
  • Olsen, C., Pedersen, I., Bergland, A., Enders-Slegers, M. J., Jøranson, N., Calogiuri, G., & Ihlebæk, C. (2016). Differences in quality of life in home-dwelling persons and nursing home residents with dementia–a cross-sectional study. BMC geriatrics, 16(1), 137.
  • Olsen, C., Pedersen, I., Bergland, A., Enders‐Slegers, M. J., Patil, G., & Ihlebæk, C. (2016). Effect of animal‐assisted interventions on depression, agitation and quality of life in nursing home residents suffering from cognitive impairment or dementia: a cluster randomized controlled trial. International journal of geriatric psychiatry
  • Olsen, C., Pedersen, I., Bergland, A., Enders-Slegers, M. J., & Ihlebæk, C. (2016). Effect of animal-assisted activity on balance and quality of life in home-dwelling persons with dementia. Geriatric Nursing, 37(4), 284–291. 
  • Olsen, C., Pedersen, I., Bergland, A., Enders-Slegers, M. J., & Ihlebæk, C. (2016). Engagement in elderly persons with dementia attending animal-assisted group activity. Dementia.
  • Strandli, E. A., Skovdahl, K-I, Kirkevold, Ø., & Ormstad, H. K. (2016). Inn på tunet - et helsefremmende tilbud - En studie om ektefellers opplevelse med dagaktivitetstilbud for personer med demens.Tidsskrift for omsorgsforskning, 2(3), 202-211.
  • 2015
  • Carlsson, C., Nilsson Ranta, D., & Træen, B. (2015). Mentalizing and emotional labor facilitate equine-assisted social work with self-harming adolescents. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 32(4), 329-339.
  • Ellingsen-Dalskau, L. H., Morken, M., Berget, B., & Pedersen, I. (2015). Autonomy support and need satisfaction in vocational programs on care farms: The self-determination theory perspective. Work, 53(1), 73-85.
  • Hauge, H., Kvalem, I. L., Enders-Slegers, M.-J., Berget, B., & Braastad, B. (2015). Persistence during tasks with horses in relation to social support, general self-efficacy and self-esteem in adolescents. Anthrozoos, 28(2).
  • Ihlebæk, C., Ellingsen-Dalskau, L. H., & Berget, B. (2015). Motivations, experiences and challenges of being a care farmer–results of a survey of Norwegian care farmers. Work, 53(1), 113-121.
  • Jøranson, N., Pedersen, I., Rokstad, A. M. M., & Ihlebæk, C. (2015). Effects on Symptoms of Agitation and Depression in Persons With Dementia Participating in Robot-Assisted Activity: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 16(10), 867-873.
  • Kern-Godal, A., Arnevik, E. A., Walderhaug, E., & Ravndal, E. (2015). Substance use disorder treatment retention and completion: a prospective study of horse-assisted therapy (HAT) for young adults. Addiction science & clinical practice, 10, 21.
  • Pedersen, I., Ellingsen-Dalskau, L., Ihlebæk, C., & Patil, G. (2015). Content and key components of vocational rehabilitation on care farms for unemployed people with mental health problems: A case study report. Work, 53(1), 21-30.
  • 2014
  • Enmarker, I., Hellzen, O., Ekker, K., & Berg, A.-G. T. (2014). Depression in older cat and dog owners: the Nord-Trondelag Health Study (HUNT)-3. Aging & Mental Health, 1-6.
  • Granerud, A., & Eriksson, B. G. (2014). Mental Health Problems, Recovery, and the Impact of Green Care Services: A Qualitative, Participant-Focused Approach. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 30(4), 317-336.
  • Hauge, H., Kvalem, I. L., Berget, B., Enders-Slegers, M.-J., & Braastad, B. O. (2014). Equine-assisted activities and the impact on perceived social support, self-esteem and self-efficacy among adolescents – an intervention study. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 19(1), 1-21.
  • Johansen, S. G., Arfwedson Wang, C. E., Binder, P.-E., & Malt, U. F. (2014). Equine-facilitated body and emotion-oriented psychotherapy designed for adolescents and adults not responding to mainstream treatment: A structured program. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 24(4), 323-335.
  • Kogstad, R. E., Agdal, R., & Hopfenbeck, M. S. (2014). Narratives of natural recovery: Youth experiences of social inclusion through Green care.International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 11(6), 6052-6068.
  • Sudmann, T. T. & Agdal, R. (2015). Tenk at jeg kan få ri! Hesteassisterte aktiviteter for ungdom og voksne med rusrelaterte problemer. Psyke & Logos,35(2), 69-84.
  • 2013
  • Berget, B., Grepperud, S., Aasland, O. G., & Braastad, B. O. (2013). Animal-Assisted Interventions and Psychiatric Disorders: Knowledge and Attitudes among General Practitioners, Psychiatrists, and Psychologists. Society & Animals, 21(3), 284-293.
  • Hauge, H., Kvalem, I. L., Pedersen, I., & Braastad, B. O. (2013). Equine-Assisted Activities for Adolescents: Ethogram-based behavioral analysis of persistence during horse-related tasks and communication patterns with the horse. Human-Animal Interaction Bulletin, 1(2), 57-81.
  • 2012
  • Enmarker, I., Hellzen, O., Ekker, K., & Berg, A.-G. (2012). Health in older cat and dog owners: The Nord-Trondelag Health Study (HUNT)-3 study. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 40(8), 718-724.
  • Pedersen, I., Ihlebæk, C. M., & Kirkevold, M. (2012). Important elements in farm animal-assisted interventions for persons with clinical depression: a qualitative interview study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 34(18), 1526-1534.
  • Pedersen, I., Martinsen, E. W., Berget, B., & Braastad, B. O. (2012). Farm Animal-Assisted Intervention for People with Clinical Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Anthrozoos, 25(2), 149-160.
  • 2011
  • Berget, B., & Braastad, B. O. (2011). Animal-assisted therapy with farm animals for persons with psychiatric disorders. Annali Dell Istituto Superiore Di Sanita, 47(4), 384-390.
  • Berget, B., & Grepperud, S. (2011). Animal-Assisted Interventions for psychiatric patients: Beliefs in treatment effects among practitioners. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 3(2), E91-E96.
  • Pedersen, I., Nordaunet, T., Martinsen, E. W., Berget, B., & Braastad, B. O. (2011). Farm Animal-Assisted Intervention: Relationship between Work and Contact with Farm Animals and Change in Depression, Anxiety, and Self-Efficacy Among Persons with Clinical Depression. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 32(8), 493-500.
  • 2010 and before
  • Berget, B., Ekeberg, Ø., & Braastad, B. O. (2008). Animal-assisted therapy with farm animals for persons with psychiatric disorders: effects on self-efficacy, coping ability and quality of life, a randomized controlled trial.Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health, 4(9).
  • Berget, B., Ekeberg, Ø., & Braastad, B. O. (2008). Attitudes to animal-assisted therapy with farm animals among health staff and farmers. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 15(7), 576-581.
  • Berget, B., Skarsaune, I., Ekeberg, Ø., & Braastad, B. O. (2007). Humans with mental disorders working with farm animals. A behavioral study. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 23(2), 101-117.
  • Koren, E., & Træen, B. (2003). Jenter og hest. Tidsskrift for ungdomsforskning, 3(2), 3-26.

  Books & book chapters

  • Berget, B., & Ihlebæk, C. M. (2011). Animal-Assisted Interventions; Effects on Human Mental Health. In T. Uehara (Ed.) A Theoretical Framework Psychiatric Disorders - Worldwide Advances (Chp. 5). Rijeka: INTECH.
  • Berget, B., Pedersen, I., Enders-Slegers, M.-J., Beetz, A., Scholl, S., & Kovács, G. (2013). Benefits of Animal-assisted Interventions for Different Target Groups in a Green Care Context. In C. Gallis (Ed.), Green Care: For Human Therapy, Social innovation, Rural Economy, and Education (pp. 65-91). New York: Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
  • Haugan, L., Nyland, R. M., Fjeldavli, E., Meistad, T., & Braastad, B. O. (2006). Green care in Norway. Farms as a resource for the educational, health and social sector. In J. Hassink & M. van Dijk (Eds.), Farming for Health. Green-care farming across Europe and the United States of America (pp. 109-126). Wageningen: Springer Netherlands.
  • Pedersen, I., & Olsen, C. (2011). Grønn omsorg og samhandling med dyr for bedring i psykisk helse. In L. Borge, E. W. Martinsen, & T. Moe (Eds.), Psykisk helsearbeid – mer enn medisiner og samtaleterapi (pp. 147-161). Bergen: Fagbokforlaget.

  PhD theses

  • Berget, B. (2006). Animal-assisted therapy: effects on persons with psychiatric disorders working with farm animals, (2006:20), Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås.
  • Hauge, H. (2013). Equine-assisted activities for adolescents and the impact on social support and task-specific mastery: a study integrating psychological variables with ethological methods, (2013:17), Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås.
  • Jøranson, N. (2016). Emotional robots as health promotion in dementia care - group activity with a seal robot in nursing homes, (2016:29), Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås.
  • Olsen, C. (2016). Animal-assisted intervention as health promotion for persons with dementia, (2016:65), Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås.
  • Pedersen, I. (2011). Farm animal-assisted interventions in clinical depression, (2011:25), Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås.

  Reports

  • Berget, B. & Braastad, B. (2008).Kunnskapsstatus og forskningsbehov for Inn på tunet. Ås: Universitetet for miljø- og biovitenskap.
  • Berget, B. (2013). Kunnskap og kompetanse for Inn på tunet: Status og behov. Ås: Universitetet for miljø- og biovitenskap.
  • Berget, B., Dalskau, L. H., & Ihlebæk, C. (2012). Effects of activities and work on a farm and its nature surroundings on health, social well-being and working ability for people out of work. In Agriculture in an Urbanizing Society (X). Wageningen University.
  • Bjørgen, D., Johansen, K. J. (2007). Bruker spør bruker, evaluering av Inn på tunet. Brukerevaluering av tilbud til mennesker med psykiske vansker i tre kommuner i Sør-Trøndelag. Mental helse i Sør-Trøndelag.
  • Fjeldavli, E., Meistad, T. (2004). Grønn omsorg og Inn på tunet: frekvensrapport fra en spørreundersøkelse blant gårdbrukere (Vol. 2). Norsk Senter for Bygdeforskning.
  • Prestvik, A. S., Nebell, I., Pettersen, I. (2013). Aktør- og markedsanalyse av Inn på tunet (NILF-rapport 4). Norsk institutt for landbruksforskning.
  • Rønningen, K., Flø, B. E., & Fjeldavli, E. (2004). The legitimacy of a multifunctional agriculture. Norsk senter for bygdeforskning.
  • Sempik, J., Hine, R., Wilcox, D., Berget, B., Braastad, B. O., & Gonzalez, M. T. (2010). Green Care: A conceptual framework - a report of the working group on the health benefits of green care. COST 866, Green Care in Agriculture: COST Office.
• Nature-based therapy

  Reviews/theoretical papers

  • Borgen, L., & Guldahl, A. S. (2011). Great-granny’s Garden: a living archive and a sensory garden.Biodiversity and conservation, 20(2), 441-449.
  • Fernee, C. R., Gabrielsen, L. E., Andersen, A. J. W., & Mesel, T. (2015). Therapy in the open air: Introducing wilderness therapy to adolescent mental health services in Scandinavia. Scandinavian Psychologist, 2.
  • Gabrielsen, L. E. & Fernee, C. R. (2014). Psykisk helsearbeid i naturen. Friluftsliv inspirert av vår historie og identitet. Tidsskrift for Psykisk Helsearbeid, 11, 358-367.
  • Gonzalez, M. T., & Kirkevold, M. (2014). Benefits of sensory garden and horticultural activities in dementia care: a modified scoping review.Journal of Clinical Nursing, 23(19-20), 2698-2715.
  • Kirkevold, M., & Gonzalez, M. T. (2012). Betydningen av sansehage og terapeutisk hagebruk for personer med demens-en scoping review.Sykepleien Forskning, 7(1), 52-64.
  • Patil, G., Asbjørnslett, M., Aurlien, K., & Levin, N. (2019). Gardening as a Meaningful Occupation in Initial Stroke Rehabilitation: An Occupational Therapist Perspective. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 7(3), 1–15.

  Empirical studies

  • Eliassen, M., Sørensen, B. A., Hartviksen, T. A., Holm, S., & Zingmark, M. (2023). Emplacing reablement co-creating an outdoor recreation model in the rural Arctic. International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 82(1), 2273013.
  • Gonzalez, M. T., Hartig, T., Patil, G. G., Martinsen, E. W., & Kirkevold, M. (2009). Therapeutic horticulture in clinical depression: A prospective study. Research and Theory for Nursing Practice, 23(4), 312-328.
  • Gonzalez, M. T., Hartig, T. A., Patil, G. G., Martinsen, E. W., & Kirkevold, M. (2010). Therapeutic horticulture in clinical depression: a prospective study of active components. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 66(9), 2002-2013.
  • Gonzalez, M. T., Hartig, T., Patil, G. G., Martinsen, E. W., & Kirkevold, M. (2011). A Prospective Study of Existential Issues in Therapeutic Horticulture for Clinical Depression. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 32(1), 73-81.
  • Gonzalez, M. T., Hartig, T., Patil, G. G., Martinsen, E. W. and Kirkevold, M. (2011). A prospective study of group cohesiveness in therapeutic horticulture for clinical depression. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 20, 119–129.
  • Gonzalez, M. T., Kirkevold, M. (2015). Clinical Use of Sensory Gardens and Outdoor Environments in Norwegian Nursing Homes: A Cross-Sectional E-mail Survey. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 36(1), 35-43.
  • Gonzalez, M. T., & Kirkevold, M. (2016). Design Characteristics of Sensory Gardens in Norwegian Nursing Homes: A Cross-Sectional E-Mail Survey. Journal of Housing For the Elderly, 30(2), 141-155.
  • Hauge, Å. L., Lindheim, M. Ø., Røtting, K., & Johnsen, S. Å. K. (2023). The Meaning of the Physical Environment in Child and Adolescent Therapy: A Qualitative Study of the Outdoor Care Retreat. Ecopsychology, 15(3), 244–258.
  • Magnussen, I. L., Bondas, T., & Alteren, J. (2017). Sansehagens betydning for dannelsen av «nærhetsrommet»-aksjonsforskning i sykehjem. Klinisk Sygepleje, 31(02), 96-113.
  • Vikene, O. L. (2012). Psykisk helse og opplevelsen av deltakelse i friluftsliv. Tidsskrift for psykisk helsearbeid, 9(4), 345-354.

  Books & book chapters

  • Berentsen, V. D., Grefsrød, E.-E., & Eek, A. (2008). Gardens for people with dementia: design and use. Tønsberg: Aldring og helse.
  • Gonzalez, M. T. (2012). Hagen som terapeutisk miljø ved depresjon. In A. Fyhri, Hauge, Å. L., & Nordh, H. (Eds.), Norsk miljøpsykologi. Mennesker og omgivelser (pp. 309-330). Oslo: SINTEF akademisk forlaget.
  • Gonzalez, M. T. (2013). Therapeutic Horticulture in a Green Care Context for Clinical Depression: Cognitive Benefits and Active Components. In C. Gallis (Ed.), Green Care: For Human Therapy, Social innovation, Rural Economy, and Education (pp. 111-138). New York: Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

  PhD theses

  • Gonzalez, M. T. (2010). Therapeutic horticulture for clinical depression in a Green care context: prospective studies on mental health benefits, active components and existential issues, (2010:28), Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås.
• Indoor environment

  Reviews/theoretical papers

  • Bringslimark, T., Hartig, T., & Patil, G. G. (2009). The psychological benefits of indoor plants: A critical review of the experimental literature. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 29(4), 422-433.

  Empirical studies

  • Bjørnstad, S., Patil, G. G., & Raanaas, R. K. (2015). Nature contact and organizational support during office working hours: Benefits relating to stress reduction, subjective health complaints, and sick leave. Work, 53(1), 9-20.
  • Bringslimark, T., Hartig, T., & Patil, G. G. (2007). Psychological benefits of indoor plants in workplaces: Putting experimental results into context.Hortscience, 42(3), 581-587.
  • Bringslimark, T., Hartig, T., & Patil, G. G. (2011). Adaptation to Windowlessness: Do Office Workers Compensate for a Lack of Visual Access to the Outdoors? Environment and Behavior, 43(4), 469-487.
  • Evensen, K. H., Raanaas, R. K. & Patil, G. G. (2013). Potential health benefits of nature-based interventions in the work environment during winter. A case study. Psyecology, 4(1), 67-76.
  • Evensen, K. H., Raanaas, R. K., Hagerhall, C. M., Johansson, M., & Patil, G. G. (2013). Restorative Elements at the Computer Workstation: A Comparison of Live Plants and Inanimate Objects With and Without Window View. Environment and Behavior, Online First.
    
  • Fjeld, T. (2000). The effect of interior planting on health and discomfort among workers and school children. HortTechnology, 10(1), 46-52.
    
  • Fjeld, T., Veiersted, B., Sandvik, L., Riise, G., & Levy, F. (1998). The effect of indoor foliage plants on health and discomfort symptoms among office workers. Indoor and Built Environment, 7(4), 204-209.
    
  • Raanaas, R. K., Evensen, K. H., Rich, D., Sjostrom, G., & Patil, C. (2011). Benefits of indoor plants on attention capacity in an office setting. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 31(1), 99-105.
  • Raanaas, R. K., Patil, G. G., & Alve, G. (2013). Naturelementer i et rehabiliteringssenter. Et miljøpsykologisk perspektiv.Tidsskrift for psykisk helsearbeid, 10(2), 150-159.
  • Raanaas, R. K., Patil, G., & Alve, G. (2015). Patients’ recovery experiences of indoor plants and views of nature in a rehabilitation center. Work, 53(1), 45-55.
  • Raanaas, R. K., Patil, G. G., & Hartig, T. (2010). Effects of an Indoor Foliage Plant Intervention on Patient Well-being during a Residential Rehabilitation Program. Hortscience, 45(3), 387-392.
  • Raanaas, R. K., Patil, G. G., & Hartig, T. (2012). Health benefits of a view of nature through the window: a quasi-experimental study of patients in a residential rehabilitation center. Clinical Rehabilitation, 26(1), 21-32.

  Books & book chapters

  • Raanaas, R. K., Evensen, K. H. & Patil, G. G. (2012). Planter i kontorarbeidsmiljø. In A. Fyhri, Hauge, Å. L., & Nordh, H. (Eds.), Norsk miljøpsykologi. Mennesker og omgivelser (pp. 213-234). Oslo: SINTEF akademisk forlaget

  PhD theses

  • Bringslimark, T. (2007). Psychological benefits of nature in the indoor context, (2007:09), Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås.
  • Evensen, K. H. (2014). Nature at work. Experimental studies of restorative elements at computer workstations, (2014:01), Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås.