RESEARCH

Therapeutic Interventions in a Rehabilitation Garden May Induce Temporary Extrovert and/or Introvert Behavioural Changes in Patients, Suffering from Stress-Related Disorders

This study investigated how a rehabilitation garden affects patients with stress-related mental illness using participatory observation. It is theorized that nature-area immersion releases oxytocin which may aid in stress reduction.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Mental Health Challenges/Trauma

Setting or Context: Rehabilitation Centers

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Enhanced Emotional Well-being

Allied Profession Intersections: Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Landscape Design, Counselling

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Mindfulness/Visualizations

Evidence Type: Case Studies, Observational Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Patient-Reported Outcomes, Program Effectiveness

Access: Paid

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Summary

This single-case study investigated how a rehabilitation garden influences patients with stress-related mental illness. Researchers used participatory observation during two summer programs to identify qualities, patterns, and processes related to patient recovery. The data were coded following an inductive research process, distinguishing between patients undergoing psychotherapy, who exhibited extroverted behaviors and recreational walks, and those undergoing physiotherapy, who were more introverted and emotionally withdrawn.

The study suggests that treatment combined with activities in specific garden areas induced distinct psycho-physiological processes. The researchers hypothesize that oxytocin, which promotes social interaction and reduces stress, may play a role in these processes, with the garden’s characteristics stimulating and supporting situated cognition. The ultimate goal was to understand how the garden and therapists’ work could promote healing and health.

Link

Anna a. Adevi, Kerstin Uvnäs-Moberg, Patrik Grahn. (2018). Therapeutic interventions in a rehabilitation garden may induce temporary extrovert and/or introvert behavioural changes in patients, suffering from stress-related disorders. Urban Forestry and Urban Greening, 30.

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