Date of Graduation
8-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Department
Human Development, Family Sciences and Rural Sociology
Advisor/Mentor
Timby, Donia
Committee Member
Terrell, Amanda
Second Committee Member
Mosley, Jacquelyn Dee
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the benefits of nature-based pediatric occupational therapy and the influence of nature and nature-based play on fine motor development. It was hypothesized that nature and nature-based play would positively impact a child’s fine motor skills, and that nature-based occupational therapy would offer unique benefits to a child’s therapeutic experience. To examine these relationships, a survey was distributed to pediatric occupational therapists across the United States. The survey was designed to gather insights into how occupational therapy supports fine motor development, how nature-based play/therapy enhances these skills, and the perceived benefits of incorporating nature into therapeutic practices. This study found a profound influence of nature-based therapy (NBT) on various aspects of child development. Pediatric occupational therapists (OTs) note NBT’s positive effects on a child’s fine motor skills as well as their physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development. It was also found that there is a lack of clarity surrounding NBT within the OT field, which may contribute to misunderstandings about its purpose and application.
Keywords
occupational therapy; nature-based therapy; fine motor skills
Citation
Rosenow, A. M. (2025). Pediatric Occupational Therapists’ Perception on How Nature-Based Play Affects Fine Motor Development. Human Development and Family Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/hdfsrsuht/20
Included in
Occupational Therapy Commons, Other Life Sciences Commons, Other Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons
