Background: Developing and implementing diverse interventions is imperative for addressing schizophrenia in the context of deinstitutionalization policies. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an agro-healing horticultural therapy as a psychosocial rehabilitation program for inpatients with schizophrenia. Methods: This quasi-experimental study utilizes a non-equivalent control group pre-post design to assess the efficacy of a therapeutic horticulture program for patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Results: This study's findings supported the initial hypothesis, as the experimental group exhibited a statistically significant reduction in perceived stress, with post-test scores differing significantly between groups (Z = -2.11, p = 0.035). Hypothesis 2, which examined self-esteem, was rejected because no statistically significant differences were found between groups (Z = -0.57, p = 0.566). Hypothesis 3 was supported, as the experimental group's Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) scores decreased following treatment, with significant post-treatment differences between groups (Z = -3.43, p < 0. 001). Conclusions: The agro-healing horticultural therapy program in this study effectively reduced stress and PANSS scores among inpatients with schizophrenia. Combining this intervention with medication may enhance rehabilitation outcomes and quality of life for patients afflicted with schizophrenia.

The deepening of population aging in China has driven the silver economy to evolve into a composite model integrating health, experience, and social interaction, while a significant gap remains in meeting the elderly population’s multidimensional needs across physiological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions. The therapeutic value of horticultural therapy, combined with the resource integration advantages of interdisciplinary entrepreneurship among university students, provides an innovative pathway for empowering the silver economy. Anchored in the strategy of active aging, this study employs survey methods and multi-model comparative analysis to systematically construct a three-dimensional empowerment model encompassing “needs–mechanism–pathway.” It analyzes the contextual applicability and implementation outcomes of four core empowerment mechanisms of horticultural therapy, explores the progressive logic of two representative entrepreneurial models—community-embedded “healing gardens” and the B2B model of “horticultural therapy plus elderly care institutions”—and verifies their multidimensional empowerment effects in health, consumption, and industry domains.The study finds that the multifaceted needs of the silver-haired population serve as the logical starting point for entrepreneurial empowerment, with the enabling mechanism of horticultural therapy functioning as the technological core. The three-tiered value transformation pathway of university students facilitates the closed-loop conversion of therapeutic value into economic value. The two models correspond to different stages of entrepreneurship, forming a progressive development pattern that ultimately achieves the integration of social and economic benefits. The theoretical framework and practical model constructed in this study provide significant references for revitalizing the silver economy, expanding entrepreneurial pathways for university students, and advancing the practice of active aging.

Amid growing “nature deficit” associated with urbanization and indoor living, flowering plants are increasingly used to support psychological restoration. Yet evidence on how floral color and structural morphology jointly shape restorative outcomes remains limited. This study employed a within-subjects, repeated-measures design, utilizing physiological instruments and psychological questionnaires to investigate the physiological and psychological restorative benefits of Hydrangea macrophylla and to quantify the differences in restorative effects across five colors (blue, pink, white, mauve, red), two inflorescence types (mophead, lacecap), and two petal structures (single, double). Twenty-eight healthy young adults viewed 15 live hydrangea stimuli under controlled laboratory conditions. Multimodal outcomes combined objective measures—eye-tracking and single-channel EEG—with subjective measures (SD; POMS). Hydrangea exposure significantly reduced negative mood, and color and structure exerted distinct and interactive effects on visual attention and arousal. Red and mauve elicited larger pupil diameters than white and pink, while lacecap inflorescences were associated with lower cognitive load and improved attentional recovery relative to mophead. Double-petaled forms showed greater attentional dispersion than single-petaled forms. Interactions indicated that morphology modulated color effects. The mauve lacecap double-flowered cultivar (M02) showed the strongest observed restorative potential within this sample. These findings highlight the importance of integrating color and structural cues when selecting flowering plants for restorative environments and horticultural therapy, and they motivate field-based replications with broader samples and higher-density physiology.

This study explores the therapeutic value of nature-based intervention methods in psychiatry through an assessment of their practical applications, action mechanisms, and conceptual development. The conceptual framework is based on discussions of emerging psychological constructs such as eco-anxiety, ecological grief, and solastalgia, which have arisen as a result of climate change. The study reviews the psychiatric effects of horticultural therapy, forest bathing, community gardening, and mindfulness-based nature practices. The findings indicate that horticultural therapy helps patients with depression and anxiety and improves their attention, forest bathing decreases cortisol levels and boosts immunity and sleep quality, community gardening reduces social isolation and creates feelings of belonging, and mindfulness-based nature practices help people manage stress and develop self-awareness. They further demonstrate that nature-based practices support both personal mental health and the creation of enduring mental health policies. However, evidence on the long-term effects of these interventions and their adaptability to different cultural contexts is limited. Standardized assessment tools are lacking in this field, which creates challenges for the comparison of different research findings. To integrate nature-based interventions into clinical practice, structural policy changes and professional development training are both needed, together with the establishment of ecologically sensitive protocols and policy arrangements that encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.

The impact of horticultural activities on negative psychological emotions among Chinese residents: A cross-sectional study of a national representative sample based on propensity score matching.

This study aimed to examine the effects of a group healing program on depression, suicidal ideation, and aggression among male inmates with mental disorders in a correctional facility. The participants were 223 inmates with psychiatric diagnoses incarcerated at Prison A, who took part in a total of 12 sessions of the program. The intervention was integratively structured with physical health activities, mental health education, cognitive behavioral therapy, and horticultural therapy. A one-group pretest–posttest design was employed, and measures included standardized scales for depression, suicidal ideation, and aggression. The analysis revealed significant reductions in all three variables from pretest to posttest across the total sample. In particular, the high-risk group (top 25%) demonstrated greater change and larger effect sizes (d = .653–.928) compared to the low-risk group. When comparing diagnostic subgroups, the depression group showed improvements in all three variables, while the bipolar disorder group showed reductions in depression and suicidal ideation, and the schizophrenia group showed a significant decrease only in depression. Moreover, comparisons based on sentence duration (inmates nearing release vs. long-term inmates) indicated no significant differences, suggesting that the program’s effects were consistent regardless of sentence length. These findings provide evidence that the group healing program contributes to the alleviation of emotional problems and the enhancement of psychological stability among inmates with mental disorders. The pronounced effects in the high-risk and depression groups further underscore the need for selective and targeted interventions within correctional institutions.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the impact of an integrated care program implemented by a public health sub-center on the health and quality of life of older adults living alone in a rural area. The integrated care program included art therapy, craft therapy, horticultural therapy, recreational activities, yoga, walking exercises, health screening &amp; health education. Methods: This study was conducted as one-group pretest-posttest pre-experimental design with 32 participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics 27.0 and G*Power 3.1.9.7. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentages, minimum, maximum, mean, standard deviation, paired t-test, and one-tailed Wilcoxon sign ranked test. Results: Participants in the integrated care program showed significant improvements cognitive function (z=-2.25, p=.012), depression (z=-2.87, p=.001), health-related quality of life (t=3.21, p&lt;.001), but systolic blood pressure was elevated (t=4.62, p&lt;.001). Conclusion: It is necessary to expand the role of public health sub-center as providers of integrated care programs to improve cognitive function in elderly individuals living alone in rural area, reduce depression, and enhance health-related quality of life.

Intervention strategies for ego-integrity among older adults: A scoping review.

Background and objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of a horticultural therapy program based on person-centered theory on the emotional competence and attention span of elementary school students in special education classes (hereafter referred to as "SEC elementary students" or "SEC children"). Person-centered theory—rooted in the core principles of empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard—promotes personal development and fosters autonomy in emotional expression.Methods: The program was implemented with six students from a special education class at an elementary school in D City. It was conducted once a week for 40 minutes per session, over a total of 10 sessions from April to June 2025.Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in emotional intelligence, with scores increasing from a pre-test mean of 87.17 ± 21.01 to a post-test mean of 151.50 ± 37.30 (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = .028). Positive emotional responses significantly increased (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = .027), while negative emotional responses decreased (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = .028). Additionally, a session-by-session analysis showed a consistent improvement in emotional competence (p &lt; .001). Attention scores decreased from 22.67 ± 3.98 to 9.17 ± 3.66 (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = .027), indicating improved attention span, as lower scores reflect better outcomes. These results suggest that horticultural therapy, based on person-centered theory, had a positive effect on both emotional competence and attention span. It is presumed that the therapeutic environment—characterized by empathy and autonomy—contributed to these positive changes among children with special educational needs.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that horticultural therapy—founded on empathy and support for autonomy—is an effective intervention for improving emotional competence and attention span in SEC children. These findings support the potential application of horticultural therapy based on person-centered theory within school-based special education programs.

Background and objective: The purpose of this study was to quantitatively examine the effects of viewing plants as a medium of horticultural therapy on the psychophysiological functions of adults through vibraimage measurement.Methods: In this study, psychophysiological functions were measured using Vibraimage 8 PRO (ELYSIS Co., Ltd.). Ten variables (aggression, stress, tension, suspicion, balance, charm, energy, self-regulation, inhibition, and neuroticism) and emotional changes (positive, negative, physiological) were measured as indicators to understand the state of psychophysiological functions. The collected data of 25 participants were analyzed using paired samples t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test.Results: First, the mean value of aggression decreased by 2.04 points from 49.97±8.38 before the experiment to 47.93 ± 7.64 after the experiment, and there was a statistically significant difference (t = 2.647, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = .014). Second, the mean value of energy decreased by 1.13 points from 30.22±7.85 before the experiment to 2 9.09±8.12 after the experiment, and there was a statistically significant difference (t = 2.604, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = .016). Third, the mean value of inhibition decreased by 1.86 points from 31.40±23.50 before the experiment to 29.54±22.07 after the experiment, and there was a statistically significant difference (t = 3.011, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = .006). Fourth, stress, tension, suspicion, balance, charm, self-regulation, neuroticism and positive, negative and physiological emotions did not show statistically significant results.Conclusion: It can be said that viewing plants for two minutes reduces aggression, prevents sensitive reactions to external stimuli, lowers energy to create a stable state, and reduces inhibition to feel more comfortable and express emotions freely. This study is significant in that it confirms the utility of plants as a medium for horticultural activities. In addition, the findings will provide foundational data for planning horticultural therapy programs aimed at enhancing psychological functions and for promoting understanding of plant and horticultural therapy.

Background and objective: This study investigated the program components preferred by secondary school teachers to design effective horticultural therapy programs to relieve their job stress.Methods: An online survey was conducted from April 8 to 28, 2025, targeting 307 middle and high school teachers. The questionnaire included 8 items on demographic characteristics, 4 items on emotional labor and job stress levels, and 10 items on preferred components of horticultural therapy programs.Results: Job stress levels were measured on a scale from 0 (low) to 10 (high), with the majority of the respondents (57.8%) scoring 7 or higher. The most individual strategies for relieving job stress were exercise (31.9%) and travel (25.9%). Regarding preferred program components, most teachers favored programs consisting of a total number of 10 or fewer sessions (85%), held once per week (74.3%), with each session lasting 60 minutes or less (70.7%), and involving 10 or fewer participants per session (78.2%). Preferred times for program participation were after work (31.8%) and during lunch breaks (32.6%). Indoor settings were preferred by 42% of respondents as the location of program activity, and group therapy was the most preferred format (33.3%). Lastly, in terms of preferred activities, respondents most commonly selected gardening (34%), followed by craft (33.9%) and cooking activities (25.3%).Conclusion: These findings are expected to serve as a foundational reference for the design, institutional adoption, and further research of horticultural therapy programs aimed at relieving job stress among secondary school teachers.

Older adults in rural areas often face barriers to accessing formal health services. Community-based programs serve as alternative models for delivering preventive care and psychosocial support. However, the effectiveness of specific program types on well-being outcomes remains underexplored. This cross-sectional study analyzed secondary data from 1033 older adults across 44 rural communities in Taiwan. Participants were involved in 5 types of community-based programs. Subjective well-being was assessed using the WHO-5 index. Associations between participation hours and well-being were examined using ANOVA, OLS regression, and linear mixed models, with community-level clustering and individual demographics controlled. Health promotion and recreational activities were positively associated with well-being, while horticultural therapy and social participation showed negative associations. Food and agricultural education was positively associated with well-being only after controlling for community context. Neither age nor gender significantly predicted outcomes. Community context moderated several program effects. Community-based programs impact rural older adults’ well-being in diverse ways depending on program type and local implementation. Tailored, context-sensitive interventions and ongoing program evaluation are essential for optimizing care outcomes in aging rural populations.

This article explores horticulture therapy as an innovative and emerging treatment modality for individuals with disabilities. Horticulture therapy involves engaging in gardening and related activities under the guidance of a trained therapist, aiming to achieve specific therapeutic goals. The practice has roots in ancient civilizations, such as Mesopotamia and Greece, and has evolved significantly over time, particularly gaining prominence post-World War II with the establishment of the American Horticulture Therapy Association (AHTA) in 1973.The mechanism of action behind horticulture therapy leverages natural elements to reduce stress and anxiety, promote cognitive function, and improve overall well-being. Theoretical frameworks such as Biophilia Theory, Attention Restoration Theory, and Overload and Arousal Theory provide insight into how nature and plant interactions foster healing and mental restoration. Horticulture therapy offers a range of benefits, including enhanced physical health, improved mental wellness, increased social interaction, and cognitive stimulation. The article highlights evidence supporting the effectiveness of horticulture therapy for various groups including individuals with autism spectrum disorder, physically challenged children, people with dementia, and those with learning disabilities. It underscores the importance of integrating horticulture therapy into rehabilitation and mental health care settings, advocating for its broader acceptance and application. Future prospects suggest that with increased research, government support, and integration into urban planning, horticulture therapy can play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Palliative care is provided to chronically ill patients to offer symptomatic relief from their disease, but it is not a curative treatment. A range of strategies are employed to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life, among which horticultural therapy has emerged as a possible option. Horticultural therapy has been shown to provide diverse benefits, including creating a calming environment that provides comfort and emotional support for palliative care patients. Patients experience symptom relief and perceived pain reduction through engaging activities that distract from discomfort. Those with mental health disorders also report decreased symptoms after participating in horticulture therapy. It also encourages healthier and proactive lifestyle through physical exercise and a more positive outlook on life, however, participants should be cautious of potential risks, such as dehydration and fatigue. This therapy can result in reduced cortisol and increased serotonin levels, indicating lower stress and improvement of cognitive function. Moreover, horticultural activities enhance social well-being by fostering interactions and strengthening social bonds among participants. Horticultural therapy benefits patients’ senses by providing an immersive experience with diverse colors, textures, fragrances, and lush landscapes. Through the interplay of these mechanisms, horticulture therapy holds strong prospect of emerging as valuable addition to palliative care.

Engaging vulnerable migrants in nature-based activities demonstrates that access to green space can provide a safe place to process trauma, allowing vulnerable forced migrants to enhance their sense of subjective well-being, to breathe and to be. Framed by the feminist ethics of care concept of ‘universal care’, this qualitative study utilised semi-structured interviews, focus group discussion and participant observation to explore asylum seekers’ opportunities for giving and receiving care for people and planet in green spaces outside of institutional international protection accommodation, particularly among those who have access to community gardens. This research contributes to understanding the multigenerational benefits of green space and the potential of forms of horticultural therapy to support the health and well-being of vulnerable forced migrants of all ages. This research has implications for how care for international protection applicants could be enhanced in Ireland and elsewhere through expanding access to safe and inclusive green spaces. It provides a model of a landscape of care support mitigation of pre- and post-migration trauma and mental stress.

Background: Self-confidence is an essential psychological aspect for the elderly, yet aging often leads to psychosocial challenges, including stress, depression, and reduced social roles. Specific Background: Elderly residents in social institutions frequently experience low confidence, affecting their well-being and social interactions. Knowledge Gap: Although various interventions exist, limited research in Indonesia has investigated horticultural therapy as a structured approach to build elderly self-confidence. Aim: This study examines whether horticultural therapy can significantly improve self-confidence among elderly individuals in Liponsos Sidoarjo. Results: Using a quantitative pre-experimental design with a One Group Pretest-Posttest method, three elderly participants aged 60 and above were observed. Data were collected using a self-confidence scale based on Lauster’s theory and analyzed with Paired Sample T-Test. Findings revealed a significant improvement between pretest and posttest scores (p = 0.048), with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 2.547). Novelty: Unlike prior studies, this research applied structured gardening activities, from planting to harvesting, within a social institutional context. Implications: Horticultural therapy can serve as a practical and sustainable intervention to enhance psychological well-being and self-confidence in the elderly population of social care facilities. Highlights: Horticultural therapy increased elderly self-confidence Structured gardening activities supported psychological well-being Applicable in social institution settings Keywords: Self-Confidence, Horticultural Therapy, Elderly, Psychological Well-Being, Intervention

To reveal college students' preferences for types of horticultural therapy (HT) activities and the influence ofbiopsychosocial factors, an online questionnaire with AI-generated illustrations was administered to assess 622respondents’ preferences for 21 HT activities and their biopsychosocial characteristics. Confirmatory factor analysisconfirmed a four-dimensional model consisting of Making (MA), Planting (PL), Active Perception (AP), and PassivePerception (PP) with good fit and reliability. The preference means ranked as MA (M = 4.065) > AP (M = 3.829) > PL(M = 3.797) > PP (M = 3.646). Biologically, females exhibit a significantly stronger preference for MA (t = − 4.32) and PP(t = − 2.18) compared to males, as evidenced by t-test results. Psychologically, natural connectedness was strongly andpositively correlated with preferences for all types of HT (r = 0.522–0.648), whereas psychological well-being showed onlya weak positive correlation with PL (r = 0.146) through correlation analysis. Individuals with more experience in HT showeda significantly higher preference for PL (F = 6.80), AP (F = 8.42), and PP (F = 3.81) according to ANOVA results. Socially, theANOVA results indicated that there was no significant difference in the preferences for HT types among students ofdifferent educational backgrounds. This study validates a novel framework for classifying HT activities grounded inhuman-plant interactions and, by examining the influence of biopsychosocial factors on preferences for HT, providesstronger evidence for personalized design of HT programs tailored to college students.

Efficacy of horticultural therapy on symptoms and functional outcomes in individuals with depressive disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Effect of horticultural activities on reducing depressive symptoms in community-dwelling adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

In the process of population aging in China, mental health issues among the elderly have become increasingly prominent. Traditional psychological care methods have certain limitations, while horticultural therapy demonstrates unique advantages due to its practicality, low threshold, and emotional connectivity. Guided by environmental psychology, this study analyzes the core elements through which horticultural therapy influences the mental health of the elderly (plant selection, activity design, spatial construction, and interaction patterns), and proposes application strategies in community, elderly care institutions, and home settings. The study finds that theories in environmental psychology, such as the biophilia hypothesis and environmental stress theory, provide theoretical support for horticultural therapy. The synergistic effect of the four elements-plant, activity, space, and interaction-can effectively improve the psychological state of the elderly.Practical experience across different scenarios demonstrates that the "embedded" network in communities, the "tiered adaptation" model in elderly care institutions, and the "intergenerational integration" approach in families can significantly enhance the participation and psychological comfort of the elderly, providing actionable pathways for psychological care for older adults. This study, through the integration of theory and practice, offers a reference for promoting the standardized application of horticultural therapy in the field of psychological care for the elderly, contributing to addressing the mental health challenges posed by population aging.