Nature and Wildlife Engagement Alleviates PTSD Symptoms in US Veterans

Recent research published in the journal Human-Animal Interactions indicates that engaging with wildlife and participating in forest walks can significantly alleviate the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in US military veterans.

A team from UMass Chan Medical School conducted a study involving 19 veterans diagnosed with PTSD or experiencing associated symptoms. Participants engaged in various nature-based activities over nearly four months in Massachusetts, including forest walks, assisting with wildlife care at rehabilitation centers, observing animals in sanctuaries, and bird watching. These activities were found to notably improve their psychological well-being, particularly in reducing feelings of anxiety.

As part of the study, veterans were provided with bird feeders to maintain a lasting connection to wildlife after the research concluded. The immersion included educational components, such as learning about bird identification at the Mass Audubon Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary.

Findings suggest that participants experienced greater psychological benefits from close interactions with wildlife than from forest walks alone. Dr. Donna Perry, a researcher at UMass Chan Medical School, pointed out that while many studies have focused on human interactions with domestic animals for health improvements, there is a lack of research on the effects of interactions with wildlife.

Dr. Perry noted that the veterans' reactions to wildlife immersion correlated with improved psychological conditions and fostered a deeper connection with nature, as well as heightened awareness of animal welfare and conservation issues.

Participants in the study shared that experiences with wildlife felt particularly impactful when animals engaged with them freely. One veteran reflected on the significance of animals' autonomy, stating that their independent behavior fostered a feeling of connection to nature. Another participant recounted a moment of connection with a red squirrel, emphasizing the emotional impact of these spontaneous encounters.

In some cases, veterans expressed a sense of identification with animals they assisted, such as a participant who fed a baby gray squirrel. This interaction prompted the individual to draw parallels between their own experiences and those of the animal they were caring for.

The results of this study indicate that engaging with and caring for injured wildlife not only benefits veterans' mental health but also increases their awareness of humanity's impact on the environment, potentially fostering a more conservation-oriented mindset. The research highlights that environments which facilitate human-animal interactions can yield mutual benefits for both humans and animals.

Dr. Perry concluded that further studies involving larger participant groups are necessary to explore the comprehensive benefits of human-animal interactions in specific contexts, including physical contact through animal care. Future research may also investigate formal animal-assisted therapies integrated with wildlife immersion experiences.