The Effects of a Forest Therapy Program on the Self-Esteem and Resilience of Juveniles Under Protective Detention

Background and objective: Juvenile crimes tend to intensify and become habitual in South Korea and juvenile delinquencies must be corrected during adolescence. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a forest therapy program on the self-esteem and resilience of juveniles under protective detention. Methods: We designed the forest therapy program titled “A Dreamy Child, One More Forest!” for one night and two days and a total of 122 juveniles under protective detention participated in the program. Self-esteem scale (SES) and resilience scale for adolescents (RSA) were used and the collected data were analyzed using frequency analysis and T-test. Results: Most of the participants were male (96.7%), and the number of those aged 17 years was highest (35, 28.7%). The number of those enrolled in middle and high school was 69 (56.0%) and that of those who dropped out was 39 (31.9%). Their self-esteem significantly increased from 3.102 before participation to 3.636 (p < .001) after participation in the forest therapy program. Resilience also increased remarkably from2.950 before participation to 3.829 (p < .001) after participation, showing positive changes after participation in both cases. Conclusion: The results indicated the forest therapy program could enhance the self-esteem of juveniles under protective detention, provide them with an opportunity for developing their inner positive power and reinforcomg resilience, helping them return to society in a healthy state. Further research needs to be conducted on how the effects over the program period will differ from one another and how long the positive effects will last.