Wildlife and wellbeing: Wildlife immersion experiences in veterans with PTSD

Abstract Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) involve interactions between humans and other species aimed at improving human psychological and/or physical health. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition in which AAI may be helpful. Most AAI research has been conducted with domestic animals. Few studies have been conducted with wildlife. This study used a modified crossover design to evaluate the feasibility and human response to a nature/wildlife immersion program for US veterans with PTSD/ PTSD symptoms. A total of 19 veterans participated in the study over a mean of 15.1 weeks. The intervention included a baseline forest walk, assisting with wildlife care in a rehabilitation center, observation of wildlife in a sanctuary, and bird watching. Each activity was conducted twice and included didactic education. Bird feeders were provided for sustainable connection to wildlife following the study. The study was guided by the realms of human/beyond-human animal interaction model within the theory of transcendent pluralism, which is grounded in mutual human/beyond-human dignity. Evaluation incorporated observation, post-activity surveys, psychological instruments, physiological measures, focus groups, and follow-up interviews. Qualitative findings included five themes within the larger theme, “To see the animals up close”: connection and caring, feeling better, personal growth, understanding our place in the natural world, and wildlife in everyday living. Quantitative findings were in the predicted direction for several measures including a statistically significant reduction in anxiety. Findings suggested greater improvement in scores in the wildlife settings over a baseline forest walk. Transcendent feelings of animal valuation appeared to mediate a reduction in depression and enhance mental wellbeing. In sum, the response of veterans with PTSD to wildlife immersion experiences suggests improved psychological symptoms as well as connection to nature/ wildlife and increased understanding and concern for animal welfare and conservation-related issues. Nature-based interventions are dynamic and require a flexible design, which may be addressed through immersion experiences.