Getting down to earth: finding a place for nature in social work practice

Title: Getting down to earth: finding a place for nature in social work practice
Creator: Heinsch, Milena
Relation: International Journal of Social Welfare Vol. 21, Issue 3, p. 309-318
Publisher Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2397.2011.00860.x
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
Resource Type: journal article
Date: 2012
Description: According to Wilson's biophilia hypothesis, people have an innate need to associate with the natural world, and this connection can enhance their physical and psychological well-being. This hypothesis has sparked an interest in the health benefits of human connection with non-human nature across a wide range of disciplines backed by evidence of the role of the natural environment in enhancing human well-being. This article summarises the literature on the health benefits of nature, arguing for the application and positive impact of a nature-based approach in social work. It challenges practitioners to recognise and articulate the role of the physical environment in their day-to-day practice. Implications for social work are identified in recommendations for enhancing opportunities to include non-human nature in future social work practice.
Subject: biophilia hypothesis; nature-based social work; environment; nature; animals
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/1311905
Identifier: uon:22316
Identifier: ISSN:1369-6866
Language: eng
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