A Horticultural Therapy Program Focused on Succulent Cultivation for the Vocational Rehabilitation Training of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities.

Yang Suk Joy,A-Young Lee,Sin-Ae Park

doi:10.3390/ijerph17041303

Abstract

We aimed to develop a horticultural therapy program for the vocational rehabilitation of individuals with intellectual disabilities and examine its effects. Individuals with intellectual disabilities (n = 28, average age: 33.23 ± 4.9 years) were recruited from a welfare center in Jecheon, South Korea. They participated in eight weekly sessions of a horticultural therapy program consisting of common succulent cultivation techniques at a specialized succulent cultivation farm located in Jecheon, South Korea. Before and after the program, we assessed hand function (grip strength, pinch force, and hand dexterity, evaluated using a hand dynamometer, Jamar hydraulic pinch gauge, and grooved pegboard, respectively), emotional behavioral strategies (evaluated using the emotional behavioral checklist), and social skills (evaluated using the social skill rating system-teacher form). After participation in the horticultural therapy program, individuals with intellectual disabilities displayed significantly improved hand function, emotional behavior, and social skills (all p < 0.05). This study demonstrates the potential of horticultural therapy focused on succulent cultivation for the vocational training of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Future studies should investigate the effects of the program in a larger cohort.

Highlights

Employment forms an essential part of adult life for most individuals
In this study, we developed an eight-session Horticultural therapy (HT) program focused on succulent plant cultivation at a real working farm for the vocational rehabilitation of individuals with intellectual disabilities and examined its effects
To develop an HT program focused on succulent cultivation for the vocational rehabilitation training of individuals with intellectual disabilities, we focused on the main activities required for succulent cultivation

Summary

Introduction

Employment forms an essential part of adult life for most individuals. Adult humans with and without disabilities aspire to work and serve their communities. Meaningful work enhances one’s quality of life (physical and psychological well-being) and their social independence [1,2]. Work plays an essential role in their career development by providing valuable professional training [3], supplies an environment for socialization, and helps them define their roles in society. This increases self-image, eventually enabling individuals with disabilities to achieve higher levels of self-esteem [4].

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Discussion

Conclusion