RESEARCH

A Horticultural Therapy Program Focused on Succulent Cultivation for the Vocational Rehabilitation Training of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

This study used succulent-based horticultural therapy to help individuals with intellectual abilities improve their vocational skills.

Program Types: Vocational

Population Groups: Physical Disabilities, Neurodevelopmental Differences

Setting or Context: Farms

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Physical Health, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Greater Job Readiness & Vocational Skills, Increased Self-Efficacy

Allied Profession Intersections: Occupational Therapy

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Plant Propagation, Greenhouse/Nursery Production, Growing Plants from Seed

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Quantitative Research

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

Research Source: Academic Journals

Access: Free

Print Form

Summary

This study aimed to develop and assess a horticultural therapy (HT) program focused on succulent cultivation for vocational rehabilitation training of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Twenty-eight participants from a welfare center in South Korea engaged in eight weekly sessions at a succulent farm, learning skills such as making mixed soils, taking cuttings, transplanting, watering, and arranging succulents. Before and after the program, researchers measured hand function (grip strength, dexterity), emotional behavioral strategies, and social skills.

The results showed that after participating in the HT program, participants demonstrated significant improvements in hand function, emotional behavior, and social skills (all p < 0.05). The study suggests that this horticultural therapy program has potential for vocational training of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Link

Joy, Y.S., Lee, A.Y., & Park, S.A. (2020). A horticultural therapy program focused on succulent cultivation for the vocational rehabilitation training of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Int J Environ Res Public Health., 17(4), 1303.

Other Recommended Research

‘The nourishing soil of the soul’: The role of horticultural therapy in promoting well-being in community-dwelling people with dementia

Gardening can help people with dementia feel more active, connected, and less lonely by improving their physical and mental well-being. The article highlights the need for more accessible gardening programs in the community to support social engagement and a better quality of life.

“Connecting people and the earth”: the occupational experience of people with different capabilities participating in an inclusive horticultural social enterprise

This thesis examines how a gardening-based social enterprise helps people of all abilities by providing meaningful work, social connections, and a sense of belonging. While it highlights the benefits of inclusion and community participation, it also points out challenges like funding and governance that need to be addressed for long-term success.

RESEARCH

A Horticultural Therapy Program Focused on Succulent Cultivation for the Vocational Rehabilitation Training of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Summary

Link

Other Recommended Research

Squash Guessing Game

Multisensory Guessing Game

Herbal Spa Day Trivia

‘Into the Wild’: A meta-synthesis of talking therapy in natural outdoor spaces

‘The nourishing soil of the soul’: The role of horticultural therapy in promoting well-being in community-dwelling people with dementia

“Connecting people and the earth”: the occupational experience of people with different capabilities participating in an inclusive horticultural social enterprise