1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«The literature [...] remains largely silent on whether contact with nature in urban settings potentially reverses the decline in mental and physical health noted in many newcomer populations as they settle into their new societies. This study sought to fill this gap by examining whether migrant families experience contact with urban green spaces as promoting their own health and well-being.» (p. 75)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
«[Altogether] seven immigrant families [from Montreal] consisting of 13 children (ages 7–13), and 10 adults participated in this study.» (p. 75)

Instruments :
Guide d’entretien semi-directif

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse de contenu

3. Résumé

«It was not unusual for the newly arrived immigrants to settle in neighbourhoods where the housing was inadequate and substandard compared to the dwellings they had moved from in their home country. Though many hoped that this arrangement would be temporary and lead to better circumstances, the combined impact of inadequate living conditions with other migration related stressors threatened to be a health risk […]. During this time, immigrant families accessed green spaces and outdoor nature activities to promote the physical and emotional development of themselves and their children. […] Parents and children who had been successful and productive wage earners or students in their home society now found themselves struggling to be recognized for their competencies in workplace or education settings. Language, cultural, social and political barriers prolonged the integration process beyond what many had expected […]. Parents and children related having experienced psychological stress as consequence. They identified how both unexpected and planned nature encounters impacted them emotionally, providing sudden ‘aha!’ moments of pleasure, offering respite from mental preoccupations, or facilitating states of relaxation.» (p. 80-81)