Lead researcher : Eve Pouliot

Co-researchers : Christine Gervais, Kristel Tardif-Grenier, Julie Fortin, Christiane Bergeron-Leclerc, Jacques Cherblanc and Annie Dumont

Abstract : This project aims to support the mental health and resilience of adolescents and their parents who were exposed to flooding in Gatineau, in a context of increasing climate-related disasters. It rests on the premise that family, social and school support, along with a positive connection to nature, are essential to young people’s recovery — young people who may experience significant psychological difficulties while also demonstrating a capacity for resilience. The objective is to co-create, pilot and evaluate a family-based nature and adventure intervention (NAI) program for parent–adolescent dyads living in urban settings, in order to strengthen their social support, their sense of agency and their reconnection with the environment. The project adopts a participatory, open-innovation approach involving young people, parents, school staff and researchers, and unfolds in three components: analyzing existing programs and participants’ needs, developing an adapted program, and then evaluating its effects. Innovative in its family-centred, participatory and nature-based approach, the project is expected to generate significant scientific, social and environmental benefits, notably by improving young people’s well-being, strengthening their resilience, and offering an intervention that is transferable to other communities affected by disasters.