Evaluation of a Horticultural Activity Programme for Persons with Psychiatric Illness

Abstract

To investigate the effect of applying horticulture activity on stress, work performance and quality of life in persons with psychiatric illness. Methods: This study was a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Using convenience sampling, 24 participants with psychiatric illness were recruited to participate in a horticultural programme and were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Two participants dropped out from experimental groups after assignment. Ten participants in the experimental group attended 10 horticultural sessions within 2 weeks, while 12 participants in the control group continued to receive conventional sheltered workshop training. Participants were assessed before and after programme using Chinese version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21) and the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI-C), and the Work Behavior Assessment. Results: There was a significant difference in change scores of the DASS21 (p = .01) between experimental and control group. There were no significant differences in change scores of the PWI-C between the two groups. Conclusion: Horticultural therapy is effective in decreasing the levels of anxiety, depression and stress among participants in this pilot study, but the impact of the programme on work behavior and quality of life will need further exploration.

Horticultural Therapy Program for People with Mental Illness: A Mixed-Method Evaluation

“…Second, the quantitative results from the questionnaire showed that subjects did not have a significant reduction in stress or anxiety, and this is consistent with the observational ratings of affect. This is, however, inconsistent with our pilot study [8] and many other studies of HT [39,42], as well as the perceptions of focus group participants who said that they experienced relief of stress and anxiety. The insignificant change in stress and anxiety could be explained by a flooring effect of the stress and anxiety scores at pre-test.…”

“…People's interactions with plants, through goal-orientated horticultural activities in the form of active gardening, as well as the passive appreciation of nature, could be therapeutic to people with mental disorders in many ways [5,6]. First, horticulture could have emotional benefits, such as reducing stress, reducing psychiatric symptoms, stabilizing mood, and increasing the sense of tranquility, spirituality, and enjoyment [1,[7][8][9][10]. Second, it could help people to reduce fatigue and restore attention and cognitive ability [11][12][13].…”

“…Based on these research evidence and their own pilot study [8], the New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (NLPRA) designed an eight-session standardized horticulture therapy (HT) program. The key objectives of their eight-session program for people with severe mental illness are: (1) To reduce perceived stress and anxiety and promote mental well-being; (2) to increase engagement and achievement in meaningful activities through horticulture; and (3) to increase social exchange, peer interaction, and social support, while working in a non-competitive environment.…”

Psychological Effects of the Gardening Activity on Mother and Their Infant: Preliminary Evidence from an Exploratory Pilot Study

“…The gardening activity is based not only on the effects of a series of the gardening activity of growing, harvesting and incorporating them into life but also on the effect of the physical function being restored as well as the attachment to the plant (Hayashi et al, 2008;Gonzalez et al, 2010;Hansen-Ketchum et al, 2009;Maller et al, 2006;Page, 2008;Haller et al, 2019;Rappe, 2005). Additionally, the gardening activity is thought to have psychological improvement effects such as gaining self-confidence, sense of achievement, satisfaction, joy, and happiness, as well as relieving stress (Sempik et al, 2003;Ulrich et al, 1991); Although many studies have been conducted using the gardening activity with the children, adults, elderly, people with disabilities and ailing patient (Cimprich, 1993;Relf & Dorn, 1995;Simon & Straus, 1998;Cimprich & Ronis, 2003;Kam & Siu, 2010;Gonzalez et al, 2010;Kim et al, 2012;Kotozaki, 2014). Waliczek et al reported that children's gardening activities could help children's self-esteem and stress reduction (Waliczek et al, 2000).…”

Effects of Horticulture Activity Program on Heart Rate Variability of White-collar Workers

“…이런 원예활동은 정신적인 스트레스를 감소시키고, 감정정인 안정감을 주고, 인지 기능에 도움이 된다는 것은 알려져 있다 (Pfeffer et al, 2009). 이를 바탕으로 원예치 료도 시행이 되는데 우울증 환자나 뇌졸중 환자에 도움이 되고, 학생이나 교사들에게도 정서적 안정 등에 도움을 주는 것으로 알려져 있다 (Barnicle and Midden, 2003;Kam and Siu, 2010;Kamioka et al, 2014). 이런 원예활동은 건물 에 갇힌 환경에서 장시간 일하는 근로자에게는 자연과 접할 수 있는 환경을 제공해 주고, 직무스트레스를 낮춘다(Lee and Lee, 2016).…”