Publication Date

Spring 2026

Degree Type

Master's Project

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Courtney Boitano

Second Advisor

Winifred Schultz-Krohn

Keywords

Outdoor occupational therapy, parent perspectives, Outdoor play

Abstract

Introduction: Outdoor play is recognized as critical for supporting children’s development across physical, cognitive, and social-emotional domains (Firby & Raine, 2022; Walker & Ray, 2024; Zhu et al., 2024). The current literature suggests that outdoor play strengthens executive functioning, early learning skills, and enhances social-emotional competency (Dinkel et al., 2019; Walker & Ray, 2024; Zhu et al., 2024). Furthermore, accessibility to outdoor play is shaped by contextual factors, including parental perceptions of safety, environmental barriers, and broader societal influences (Cox et al., 2025; Faulkner et al., 2025; Jelleyman et al., 2019). The research suggests that common parental concerns have emerged regarding rising physical inactivity, reduced mobility, and growing mental health challenges.

Purpose of the Study: Given the concerns and shift perspectives of outdoor play, the purpose of this study is to examine parental perspectives of outdoor OT to clarify the existing knowledge and identify gaps in this area of practice. As a result, this study will help guide future research and OT clinical practice to be more family-centered to ensure that interventions are aligned with families’ goals and lived experiences.

Methodology: An exploratory qualitative design was used. Following IRB approval, semi-structured interviews were conducted over Zoom with parents of children participating in the outdoors OT sessions at the SJSU Pediatric OT Clinic. Participants included 10 parents or primary caregivers between 40-65 years, with 9 identifying as female, from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds; served by a faculty-run clinic in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Results: Thematic analysis revealed five themes: (1) perceived benefits of outdoor spaces and environments, (2) perceived barriers to outdoor OT and play, (3) factors impacting time outdoors, (4) parents’ experience with outdoor OT and environments, and (5) perceived impact of outdoor on child’s occupational performance.

Discussion and Implications for Occupational Therapy: This study demonstrates the importance of understanding parents’ perspectives on outdoor OT to better understand what potential barriers and limitations to further were addressed by parents to further strengthen outdoor-based interventions within OT and ensure that this area of practice aligned with parents’ goals and areas of need to provide client-centered care. It emphasizes the necessity for parent education and involvement to enhance accessibility and engagement of outdoor activities in daily routines.

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