Using positive psychology to understand motivations, constraints, and opportunities to enhance human-wildlife interactions among people with disabilities
Abstract
While evidence about the health benefits of nature and wildlife engagement and attention to the possible barriers to participation for vulnerable populations (e. g. people with disabilities) are on the increase, meaningful solutions are yet to be developed. The purpose of this research is to present the potential application of PERMA+4 (Positive Emotions, Engagement, Positive Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment, Physical Health, Mindset, Environment and Economic Security) to the study of the motivations, intended outcomes, barriers, and potential solutions to facilitate participation. Not only this may enable further research on the subject but also lead to restructuring social and physical factors to create and improve access and participation in wildlife-centred contexts, including nature and animal-assisted interventions, environmental volunteering, education, and professional roles.
Roxanne Zybenko-Keane
Master's Candidate
Roxanne is a master's candidate at the Anthrozoology Research Group at La Trobe University, based in the lower Clarence Valley of NSW. Using ethnographic methods underpinned by positive psychology, Roxanne’s thesis focuses on factors promoting the benefits of wildlife interactions for people with disabilities, as well as potential solutions to potential barriers. Her research stems from her current role as a rehabilitation volunteer at Friends of the Koala, earlier work/volunteer experiences with the Clarence Valley branch of Landcare and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, studies in environmental science and zoology at Southern Cross University and the University of New England, an evolving interest in behavioural and social science, and attempts to progress environmental science and wildlife conservation with two neurological conditions and experiencing sepsis multiple times since 2021. She is also a member of the Sepsis Australia Consumer Partner and Advocacy Program and Friends of the Koala management committee.