RESEARCH

The Popularization and Promotion Strategy of Horticultural Therapy in College Student’s Life Education

Based on the authors’ discussion, horticultural therapy has extensive applications and practical significance in helping college students understand, cherish, respect, and love life, thereby enhancing its quality and value. The proposed strategies aim to achieve important significance and value by helping improve college students’ life awareness, enhance a sense of life’s meaning, and promote physical and mental health.

Program Types: Therapeutic, Social

Population Groups: Mental Health Challenges/Trauma, General Population

Setting or Context: Schools/Educational Settings, Urban vs. Rural Settings

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, Improved Physical Health, Increased Horticultural Knowledge

Allied Profession Intersections: Counselling, Education

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

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Meta-Analyses/Systematic Reviews, Observational Research, Quantitative Research, Book or Book Chapters

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Metrics for Physical Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Program Effectiveness

[print-me target=".elementor-location-single" do_not_print=".other-activities, .print-btn, #tag-container" title="Print Form" role="button"/]

Summary

This paper, titled “The Popularization and Promotion Strategy of Horticultural Therapy in College Students’s Life Education”, published in the Journal of Education and Culture Studies, examines the significant value and practical implications of horticultural therapy for the life education of college students. It is grounded in the understanding that life education, focusing on human life, survival, and interaction with nature, society, and self, is increasingly important given the focus on physical and mental health and quality of life. College students, as future societal leaders, require strong life views and well-being. The study frames horticultural therapy as a nature-oriented therapy, described as a natural, safe, and effective treatment combining horticulture and psychology. The paper specifically explores its application value in improving students’ physical and mental health, enhancing observation and thinking abilities, and strengthening social interaction skills.

The paper details how horticultural therapy promotes physical and mental health by relieving stress, improving emotional stability, and boosting self-confidence, while also enhancing physical fitness through interaction with nature. It improves observation and thinking skills by engaging students in observing plant growth and participating in practical activities like planting and flower arrangements. Furthermore, it cultivates social interaction skills through required teamwork, fostering communication, cooperation, mutual trust, and respect, and enhancing environmental awareness. The authors propose several strategies for popularizing and promoting horticultural therapy in universities, including establishing relevant courses and horticultural societies, strengthening teacher training, conducting practical activities, and enhancing promotion and advocacy through various channels. The paper concludes that implementing these measures is essential for enhancing college students’ life awareness, sense of meaning, and overall well-being.

Link

Zhou, C., Zeng, C. (2023). The Popularization and Promotion Strategy of Horticultural Therapy in College Students’s Life Education. J Educ Cult Stud., 7, 146-150

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.

“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.

‘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.