From the Roots Up: How Does Forest School affect Children's Wellbeing?

Abstract

Children's wellbeing is recognised as impacting development into adulthood. In the United Kingdom (UK) there is an ongoing decline in children's wellbeing. Forest School (FS) is an increasingly popular outdoor education experience, with a growing body of research behind it, on the benefits of FS in relation to wellbeing. This thesis explores the impact on wellbeing and the potential psychological processes involved, including the child's perspective as the intended recipient. The Systematic Review included 13 papers from a search of five electronic databases. A narrative synthesis approach was utilised, and eight themes emerged from the data. From the child's perspective FS facilitated choice, independence, opportunities for risk, play, creativity, nature discovery and responsibility. Children spoke about improved peer and adult relationships, developing understanding of their emotions, gaining new skills and knowledge and increased physical strength. Through these processes FS impacted their wellbeing. Semi-structured interviews with five children, five parents and five facilitators were conducted for the Empirical Paper. Data was analysed using Grounded Theory generating a conceptual model. Five hierarchical inter-related themes emerged from the data. These were the wider context; FS characteristics; the activities provided; the psychological mechanisms these elicited and the outcome on wellbeing. The Critical Appraisal offers a reflection on the research process within the wider context of research and practice in the area of outdoor education. The findings of this thesis provide a more detailed lens on mechanisms while advocating the child's voice. It highlights the benefits of FS for children's wellbeing and supports the implementation of FS in education and community settings.

Date of Award	31 Dec 2022
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Sara Tai (Supervisor) & Warren Mansell (Supervisor)