Chrystal Dunker, in fulfilling the requirements for a PhD in Environmental Studies and Sustainability at Antioch University, New England, has written and published a dissertation titled, Nature Interaction Assists with Coping and Resilience: An Interaction Pattern Approach with Adolescents with Histories of Trauma in a Youth Group Home.
This dissertation explores how nature interaction supports healing and resilience for 12 adolescents with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) living in a youth group home. Using an innovative Interaction Pattern Approach (IPA)—which combines photovoice data with 22 months of participant observation—the research identified 62 distinct ways these adolescents engaged with nature. Drunker grouped patterns into key Coping and Resilience Domains, such as self-regulation, autonomy, and transcendence, each linked to strengths like emotional regulation and perseverance. The findings highlight the deep connection between human development and nature, emphasizing the need for nature-based interventions in youth group homes to support resilience and well-being.
Dunker has over 20 years of experience in environmental education and outdoor learning, including leadership as executive director of a regional nonprofit in southern Minnesota.
Read and download Dunker’s dissertation, Nature Interaction Assists with Coping and Resilience: An Interaction Pattern Approach with Adolescents with Histories of Trauma in a Youth Group Home, here.
