Exploring the wellbeing of adults attending an alternative education family forest school programme

Neary, H., Canessa-Pollard, V. and Stiller, J. (2026) Exploring the wellbeing of adults attending an alternative education family forest school programme. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning. pp. 1-24. ISSN 1472-9679

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Abstract

This case study explores the psychological benefits experienced by adults participating in the Wild Play Programme sessions with their children. These sessions offer nature-rich experiences primarily to children who struggle in mainstream education and to their parents who accompany them to all sessions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four female participants (mean age: 35 years 3 months) who attended the sessions for at least 3 months. The interviews focused on the elements of wellbeing as expressed in Seligman’s PERMA model (2011). The findings are that parental wellbeing was enhanced through broadening and building on
experience of positive emotions, having a safe and supportive space to focus on self, the creation of a micro-community, and the parents’ perception of the child’s experience. The implications are that such outdoor family‑centred programmes offer important
wellbeing‑enhancing experiences to accompanying adults.

Publication Type: Articles
Additional Information: © 2026 Institute for Outdoor Learning
Uncontrolled Keywords: case study, parental wellbeing, forest school, PERMA
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Women
L Education > L Education (General)
L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1050 Educational psychology
L Education > LC Special aspects of education > LC5201 Education extension. Adult education. Continuing education
Divisions: Academic Areas > Institute of Education, Social and Life Sciences > Childhood
Academic Areas > Institute of Education, Social and Life Sciences > Education and Teaching
Academic Areas > Institute of Education, Social and Life Sciences > Psychology
Academic Areas > Institute of Education, Social and Life Sciences > Social Work and Social Care
Research Entities > POWER Centre
Depositing User: Helen Neary
Date Deposited: 07 Sep 2026 09:53
Last Modified: 07 Sep 2026 09:53
URI: https://eprints.chi.ac.uk/id/eprint/8703

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