RESEARCH

Horticultural Activity: Its Contribution to Stress Recovery and Wellbeing for Children

This study examines the relationship between horticultural activity types, psychological well-being, and fruit and vegetable intake, highlighting how gardening influences mental health and dietary habits.

Program Types: Therapeutic, Social

Population Groups: Children/Youth

Setting or Context: Schools/Educational Settings

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Improved Cognitive Function, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Increased Horticultural Knowledge

Allied Profession Intersections: Behavioral Therapy, Climate Psychology/Psychotherapy

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Indoor Plant Care, Nature-Based Arts & Crafts, Plant Propagation, Environmental Education

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Randomized Controlled Trials, Quantitative Research

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

Access: Free

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Summary

The research analyzed 400 participants to assess how different horticultural activities—indoor and outdoor plant activities, arts/crafts, and excursions—affect psychological well-being and fruit and vegetable consumption. Results showed that indoor and outdoor plant activities significantly improved well-being, and in turn, higher well-being correlated with increased fruit and vegetable intake. Interestingly, arts/crafts and excursions had no measurable effect on either mental health or dietary habits.

The study concludes that gardening enhances mental health and encourages healthier eating, especially when individuals actively grow plants indoors or outdoors. It suggests that promoting community-based and home gardening programs can be an effective strategy to support public health and nutrition awareness

Link

Shao, Y., Elsadek, M., & Liu, B. (2020). Horticultural activity: Its contribution to stress recovery and wellbeing for children. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(4), 1229. MDPI.

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RESEARCH

Horticultural Activity: Its Contribution to Stress Recovery and Wellbeing for Children

Summary

Link

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