J Korean Acad Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs.  2022 Jun;31(2):219-229. 10.12934/jkpmhn.2022.31.2.219.

Effects of a Horticultural Therapy Program for Patients with Mental Illness

• Kim HH
• Choi BS
• Sung JE

• KMID: 2531646
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12934/jkpmhn.2022.31.2.219

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to identify the effects of the Horticultural Therapy Program on interpersonal relations, self-efficacy, and stress awareness for patients with mental illness.
Methods
This was a non-equivalent control group pre and post-test design study. Participants were recruited from a closed ward of mental health hospitals located in the G city. 23 patients from two hospitals were in the experimental group and 20 patients from four hospitals were in the control group. A ninety-minute horticultural program was performed once a week for 8 weeks.
Results
Results revealed that the Horticultural Therapy Program was effective for self-efficacy (z=-3.06 p=.002) and stress awareness (z=2.92, p=.004) for patients with mental illnesses.
Conclusion
These results indicate that the Horticultural Therapy Program is effective for self-efficacy and stress awareness in patients with mental illnesses. Therefore, the Horticultural Therapy Program is recommended as an effective psychiatric nursing intervention for mental health promotion and rehabilitation.

Keyword

Horticultural therapy; Interpersonal relations; Mental disorders; Self efficacy; 원예치료; 대인관계; 정신질환; 자기효능감