Integrating Horticulture Into the Vocational Rehabilitation Process of Individuals With Exhaustion Syndrome (Burnout): A Pilot Study

Abstract

AbstractThis pilot study was intended to examine and to document whether the use of the garden environment and the activities that make up horticulture could be considered a possible method to be used in the vocational rehabilitation of persons sick-listed due to high levels of stress. The study is based on a theoretical (four-step) model using horticulture and the garden environment to provide the foundation of vocational rehabilitation for individuals with prolonged fatigue, chronic fatigue and burnout. The general interpretation is that the results are positive and promising but that further research is needed and should be pursued to examine what causal relationship(s) exist between the garden environment and the reduction of arousal levels; the effectiveness of pursuing this VR process for persons sick listed for stress-related complaints.