PHARMACOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF NATURE-BASED THERAPY FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING: A COMMUNITY INTERVENTION STUDY IN HULU SELANGOR, MALAYSIA

PHARMACOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF NATURE-BASED THERAPY FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING: A COMMUNITY INTERVENTION STUDY IN HULU SELANGOR, MALAYSIA

This pilot study investigates the pharmacological potential of nature-based therapy (NBT) in enhancing psychological well-being among adults in Hulu Selangor, Malaysia. Using a quantitative research design, 35 participants (85.7% female, 14.3% male) engaged in structured nature interventions, with p...

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Main Authors: Nur Atika, Hairi, Aida Zulaikha, Zulkefly, Zarina, Basry, Hasliza, Mohamad Ali, Nor Akmariah, Abdullah, Nur Hidayah, Razlan, Andi Nur Nabilah Syafiqah, Bacho, Aisya Khadijah, Mohd Hamid, Nurul Asmaa, Ramli, Nor Rafidah, Saidon
Format: Article
Language:en
Published: LEX LOCALIS-JOURNAL OF LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT 2025
Subjects:
BF Psychology
Online Access:http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/50028/3/Paper%2B11%2C.pdf
http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/50028/
https://lex-localis.org/index.php/LexLocalis/article/view/802120
https://doi.org/10.52152/h3s46b45
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Summary:This pilot study investigates the pharmacological potential of nature-based therapy (NBT) in enhancing psychological well-being among adults in Hulu Selangor, Malaysia. Using a quantitative research design, 35 participants (85.7% female, 14.3% male) engaged in structured nature interventions, with psychological outcomes measured pre- and post-intervention using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and program evaluation questionnaires. Results demonstrated significant improvements in mental health, with 77.1% of participants strongly agreeing that NBT enhanced their psychological well-being and 68.6% reporting better emotional stability. Additionally, the program fostered environmental stewardship, as 68.6% of participants adopted eco-friendly practices, and strengthened community engagement, with 71.4% actively participating in green initiatives. Despite limitations such as a small sample size and gender imbalance, the findings suggest that NBT is an effective, culturally relevant intervention for addressing mental health challenges in semi-urban Malaysian communities. The study highlights the dual benefits of NBT in improving individual well-being while promoting environmental awareness and social cohesion. These results support the integration of nature-based approaches into public health strategies, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions. Future research should explore long-term effects, biomarker correlations, and strategies to enhance male participation in such programs.

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