RESEARCH

Role of Gardening in Mental Health, Food Security, and Economic Well-Being in Resettled Refugees: A Mixed Methods Study

The study’s non-parametric regression analysis showed that being a gardener significantly predicted lesser mental health distress as measured by the Refugee Health Screener (RHS). Furthermore, 63% (n=12) of the gardeners specifically mentioned mental health benefits, such as staying busy and preventing negative thoughts, as a positive outcome of their gardening activities.

Program Types: Therapeutic, Social

Population Groups: Mental Health Challenges/Trauma, Immigrants/Refugees

Setting or Context: Community Gardens, Homes/Private Residences

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Greater Sense of Purpose, Increased Sense of Belonging (Reduced Isolation), Improved Stress Management, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Increased Self-Efficacy

Allied Profession Intersections: Counselling

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Growing Plants from Seed

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Observational Research, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Standardized Assessment Tools

Access: Free

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Summary

School gardening programs are being used in many countries to help children eat healthier and feel better overall. This study looked at 24 different school gardening projects around the world to understand how and why these gardens can make a difference for school-aged children. Most of the programs took place in primary schools and aimed to encourage kids to eat more fruits and vegetables, learn about nutrition, and be more physically active. The researchers found that these gardens worked best when they were part of the school curriculum, included hands-on activities, involved families and teachers, and respected local cultures.

The study showed that school gardens can lead to a range of positive outcomes for children. Kids who took part in these programs often ate more fruits and vegetables, got more fiber and vitamins, and sometimes even improved their body weight. Beyond physical health, gardening also helped children feel a greater sense of belonging, improved their social skills, and boosted their overall well-being. The most successful programs used a mix of approaches, like combining gardening with nutrition lessons and involving families, to reinforce healthy habits and make learning fun and meaningful.

Link

Gangamma, R., Walia, B., Minkoff-Zern, L.A., & Tor, S. (2024). Role of gardening in mental health, food security, and economic well-being in resettled refugees: A mixed methods study. Journal on Migration and Human Security, 12(1), 3-18

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