RESEARCH

Garden Counseling Groups and Self-Esteem: A Mixed Methods Study With Children With Emotional and Behavioral Problems

Researchers in the southeastern United States found that 31 elementary school children with emotional and behavioral issues showed higher self-esteem after participating in 6-week garden counseling groups. Qualitative data revealed the children also felt calmer, happier, and learned to work together.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Children/Youth, Mental Health Challenges/Trauma

Setting or Context: Schools/Educational Settings

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Stress Management, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Increased Self-Efficacy

Allied Profession Intersections: Counselling, Education, Forest/Ecotherapy

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Nature-Based Arts & Crafts, Growing Plants from Seed, Mindfulness/Visualizations

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

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

Access: Paid

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Summary

This mixed-methods study investigated the impact of garden counseling groups on the self-esteem of 31 elementary school children with emotional and behavioral problems from a school in the southeastern United States. The intervention involved six small groups of children from kindergarten to fifth grade participating in 6-week group sessions, meeting twice weekly for 30-45 minutes. Activities included planting, weeding, watering, and general garden maintenance. After working in the garden, the children participated in discussions about their experiences and created drawings related to their feelings and thoughts about gardening.

Quantitative data, collected using the Piers-Harris Children’s Self-Concept Scale–2 (PHCSCS–2) pre- and post-intervention, indicated higher self-esteem among participants following the gardening group. Qualitative data from discussions about the children’s drawings revealed that participants felt calmer and happier and learned to work together through the group experience. The study suggests that garden counseling groups may be a beneficial intervention for improving self-esteem in children with emotional and behavioral problems.

Link

Swank, J.M., & Shin, S. (2015). Garden counseling groups and self-esteem: A mixed methods study with children with emotional and behavioral problems. The Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 40(3), 315-331.

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