RESEARCH

Project H.O.M.E: A Novel Nature-based Therapy Approach for the Treatment of Veterans with Trauma Treatment of Veterans with Trauma

The study’s findings indicated that the restorative benefits of gardening were the most significant factor in explaining positive views on psychological growth during aging, while the physical benefits of gardening were the strongest factor for positive perceptions of physical changes in aging. Furthermore, the study found that individuals who belonged to gardening groups reported significantly more social and physical advantages from gardening compared to those who gardened individually.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Mental Health Challenges/Trauma, Military/Veterans, Rehabilitation, Addiction/Substance Use Disorders

Setting or Context: Hospitals/Clinics, Community Gardens, Residential Programs, Urban vs. Rural Settings, Natural Areas/Parks/Forest

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

Allied Profession Intersections: Recreational Therapy, Forest/Ecotherapy

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Growing Plants from Seed, Forest/Natural Area Immersion, Mindfulness/Visualizations

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Randomized Controlled Trials, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research, Anecdotal Evidence/Testimonials

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

Access: Free

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Summary

This Australian study investigated whether gardening could improve the well-being of older adults, and if there were differences between gardening at home and in a community group. The researchers surveyed 331 gardeners between the ages of 60 and 95. These gardeners answered questions online or through the mail about how often they gardened, what types of gardening they did, how they felt about their gardens, their overall health and quality of life, and their opinions about getting older. The survey included different kinds of questions, from simple choices to opportunities for more detailed written answers. The study then compared the responses of gardeners who were part of gardening clubs to those who gardened on their own.

The survey aimed to understand what benefits people felt they got from gardening, such as feeling relaxed, being more active, or meeting others. It also used a standard questionnaire to assess their attitudes towards aging, looking at their satisfaction with aging and their feelings about the physical and social changes involved. By analyzing all the survey answers, the researchers were able to find patterns and connections between gardening, how good people felt, and how they viewed growing older.

Link

Laverdure, J.L. (2022). Project HOME: A novel nature-based therapy approach for the treatment of veterans with trauma. Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects. 19

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Project H.O.M.E: A Novel Nature-based Therapy Approach for the Treatment of Veterans with Trauma Treatment of Veterans with Trauma

Summary

Link

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