Toggle Side Panel
Close search
RESEARCH

The Effects of Therapeutic Horticulture on Student Well-Being and Academic Resilience

College students who participated in eight weeks of therapeutic horticulture showed significant reductions in stress and anxiety and improvements in both general and academic resilience. The results suggest that gardening-based wellness programs can effectively support student mental health and academic performance.
Print Form

Summary

This study examined how gardening-based therapy could improve college students’ mental health and academic outcomes. Conducted at the University of Florida, it involved 51 students who attended at least eight weeks of therapeutic horticulture sessions. These sessions combined hands-on plant activities with wellness lessons focused on mindfulness, stress management, and self-compassion. Students worked in a greenhouse and garden setting, learning plant care while also building community and learning mental health strategies. Researchers measured stress, anxiety, general resilience, and academic resilience before and after the program.

After completing the program, students reported lower stress and anxiety levels and higher general and academic resilience, including better perseverance, help-seeking behavior, and emotional management. These findings suggest that participating in structured horticulture activities can meaningfully improve mental health and help students better handle academic challenges. The study concludes that therapeutic horticulture can be a valuable, accessible tool to support student well-being, complementing traditional counseling services on college campuses.

Link

Diehl, E. R., Diehl, D. C., & Tham, S. Y. The Effects of Therapeutic Horticulture on Student Well-being and Academic Resilience. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1619827

Other Recommended Research

Blueberry Smoothie Bowls

Participants create and enjoy refreshing smoothie bowls with garden-fresh ingredients. Opportunities for seed to table and mindful eating experiences.

Three Sisters Garden

Participants plant and learn about the Three Sisters Garden, an Indigenous growing tradition that highlights the mutual support between corn, beans, and squash.

Microgreens

Participants learn how to plant and care for microgreens, discovering their nutritional benefits and how to easily grow them indoors at home for a sustainable source of fresh, nutrient-packed food even in the winter months.

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

This Meta-synthesis highlights the benefits of holding therapy sessions in nature, which can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance emotional well-being. While outdoor therapy offers unique advantages, such as greater openness and connection with nature, it also requires careful consideration of client suitability and professional training.

“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.

‘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.

Report

Contains abusive or derogatory content
Contains mature or sensitive content
Contains misleading or false information
Contains spam, fake content or potential malware
Harassment or bullying behavior

Block Member?

Please confirm you want to block this member.

You will no longer be able to:

  • See blocked member's posts
  • Mention this member in posts
  • Invite this member to groups
  • Message this member
  • Add this member as a connection

Please note: This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin. Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.

Report

You have already reported this .