RESEARCH

Therapeutic Gardening in Incarcerated Settings in the USA

A 12-week nature-based program called “Branching Out” was found to improve mental health in participants with depression, anxiety, and stress. The results showed reduced anxiety and depression levels, improved self-esteem, and increased connection to nature among participants.
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Summary

This research paper explores how spending time in nature can help people with mental health issues, especially those dealing with depression, anxiety, and stress. The study looked at a program called “Branching Out,” which offers outdoor activities like conservation work, bushcraft, and environmental art to people referred by mental health services. The program runs for 12 weeks, with participants attending one session per week in a woodland setting.

The researchers found that being in nature and doing outdoor activities had positive effects on the participants’ mental health. People reported feeling less anxious and depressed, and their self-esteem improved. They also felt more connected to nature and enjoyed the social aspects of the program. The study suggests that nature-based interventions like “Branching Out” could be a helpful addition to traditional mental health treatments, offering a way for people to improve their well-being through outdoor experiences.

Link

Everhardt, S.L., Jauk-Ajamie, D., Carmody, S.B., & Gill, B.I. (2024). Therapeutic gardening in incarcerated settings in the USA. In Gardening behind bars: Clinical sociology and food justice in incarcerated settings. Springer International Publishing.

 

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