RESEARCH

The Green Brigade: The Psychological Effects of a Community- based Horticultural Program on the Self-development Characteristics of Juvenile Offenders

Juvenile offenders in the Green Brigade program initially showed lower self-esteem, poorer interpersonal relationships, and a worse attitude toward school compared to a control group, the program did not lead to significant improvements in these areas, nor did it reduce recidivism. However, the self-esteem levels of the Green Brigade participants did become statistically similar to the comparison group after the program.

Program Types: Therapeutic, Social, Vocational

Population Groups: Children/Youth, Mental Health Challenges/Trauma, Corrections/Justice-Involved, Addiction/Substance Use Disorders

Setting or Context: Rehabilitation Centers, Community Gardens, Urban vs. Rural Settings, Jails/Prisons

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

Allied Profession Intersections: Recreational Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Social Work

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Nature-Based Arts & Crafts, Vocational Skill Development

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Case Studies, Observational Research, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Program Effectiveness

Access: Paid

Print Form

Summary

The research paper, “The Green Brigade: The Psychological Effects of a Community-based Horticultural Program on the Self-development Characteristics of Juvenile Offenders,” explores the impact of a horticultural program called the Green Brigade on juvenile offenders. This program in Bexar County, San Antonio, Texas, aimed to teach these young people about landscaping, give them a chance to earn minimum wage while paying restitution and court fees, and beautify the community. To participate, the juveniles had to be attending school or working towards their GED, avoid gang-related items, and actively engage in the program’s learning and work activities.

The study specifically looked at whether being part of the Green Brigade improved the participants’ self-esteem, how much they felt in control of their lives (locus of control), their relationships with others, and their attitude towards school. The program involved classroom instruction in horticultural techniques and hands-on work on landscaping projects for 16 weeks, meeting for six hours each Saturday.
The researchers compared the juvenile offenders in the Green Brigade program to a group of similar young people who were not in the program using a psychological assessment tool called the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). Before and after the program, the Green Brigade participants generally had lower scores in self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, and attitude toward school compared to the other group, although these scores were still considered within the normal range for their age. Interestingly, after participating in the Green Brigade, the self-esteem scores of the participants were no longer significantly worse than the comparison group. However, the study found no significant improvement in any of the measured psychological factors (self-esteem, locus of control, interpersonal relationships, and attitude toward school) when comparing the participants’ scores before and after the program. Additionally, there was no difference in the rates of repeated crimes between the Green Brigade participants and those in traditional probation programs.

Link

Cammack, Carol & Waliczek, T. & Zajicek, Jayne. (2002). The Green Brigade: The Psychological Effects of a Community- based Horticultural Program on the Self-development Characteristics of Juvenile Offenders. Hort Technol. 12. 10.21273/HORTTECH.12.1.82.

Other Recommended Research

‘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.

‘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.