Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

Date of Award

Spring 2026

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

College

College of Science and Health

First Advisor

Anne Saw

Abstract

Across the United States, only 36% of the Latine community with mental health concerns receive help, compared to over 52% of non-Hispanic White individuals. Stigma, language barriers, discrimination, and a lack of culturally tailored mental healthcare hinder individuals from obtaining the support they need. Through two studies, this dissertation describes the development and pilot implementation of a trauma-focused, group-based intervention in nature called Transforming Internal Experiences for Resilience and Restoration through Acceptance, or TIERRA, for the Latine community. TIERRA combines third-wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with forest bathing to foster radical hope. The intervention is a collaboration between the Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, the Highwood Library in Lake County, Illinois, and researchers at DePaul University that sprung out of community violence and a community-led effort to address mental health needs and promote health equity through nature access. The first paper is a qualitative exploration of the relationship between nature and mental health in Lake County utilizing a health equity lens. The second paper describes the process of intervention development and implementation. These two studies combined shed light on an innovative approach to tackling the burden of mental ill-health and decreasing health disparity for the Latine community. Study findings could also have implications for other underserved populations.

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Available for download on Thursday, October 07, 2027

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