RESEARCH

The Effectiveness of Horticultural Therapy Groups on Adults with a Diagnosis of Depression

Regarding specific results, the mean score for feelings of depression and sadness (Item 1) decreased from 2.15 at pre-test to 1.23 at post-test, representing a change of 0.82. Indicators for lack of being cheered by good news (Item 2), drowsiness (Item 12), and mood worse in the afternoon (Item 31) each showed a mean decrease of 0.62.

Program Types: Therapeutic, Social

Population Groups: Older Adults/Seniors, Dementia/Traumatic & Acquired Brain Injuries, Mental Health Challenges/Trauma, Rehabilitation, Burnout/Workplace Stress

Setting or Context: Assisted Living/Long-Term Care Homes, Schools/Educational Settings, Hospitals/Clinics, Rehabilitation Centers, Community Gardens, Residential Programs

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Greater Sense of Purpose, Improved Stress Management, Improved Cognitive Function, Improved Physical Health, Improved Balance, Improved Sleep Quality, Increased Social Engagement & Skills

Allied Profession Intersections: Recreational Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Counselling

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Indoor Plant Care, Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Nature-Based Arts & Crafts

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Standardized Assessment Tools, Program Effectiveness, Longitudinal Studies

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Summary

This study investigated the effectiveness of a horticultural therapy psycho-educational group as an alternative treatment for adults diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. Recognizing the need for non-medicinal therapeutic options and self-care strategies, the research explored the potential benefits of engaging with plants and gardening activities. The study employed a pre-post design involving 13 adult participants with depression (predominantly female and Caucasian/White) who were clients at an Intensive Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program in a community agency. The intervention consisted of an 8-week psycho-educational group that met weekly for one hour, incorporating basic gardening techniques, plant maintenance, and group discussions about the relationship between participants and plants in the context of recovery. Psychological state was measured using an adapted Beck-Like Depression Inventory with 50 questions, administered individually before and after the group, to observe changes in depressive symptoms and feelings.

The analysis of the inventory results indicated a decrease in many depressive symptoms among the participants following the horticultural therapy program. Specifically, the mean scores for indicators related to feelings of depression and sadness, certain sleep patterns, mood in the afternoon, and not being cheered by good news showed decreases. While many symptoms improved, some indicators, such as those related to weight, sexual interest, morning mood, and perceptual symptoms, reportedly increased. The author concluded that the horticultural therapy psycho-educational group shows promise as a non-medicinal therapeutic option and can be used to mediate or treat symptoms of depression in adults, offering significant emotional benefits and contributing to recovery. Limitations acknowledged included the small sample size, gender imbalance, reliance on self-report, the fixed 8-week duration, and questions about the validity of the specific inventory used.

Link

https://soar.suny.edu/handle/20.500.12648/4665

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