RESEARCH

Horticultural Activity: Its Contribution to Stress Recovery and Wellbeing for Children

This study examines the relationship between horticultural activity types, psychological well-being, and fruit and vegetable intake, highlighting how gardening influences mental health and dietary habits.

Program Types: Therapeutic, Social

Population Groups: Children/Youth

Setting or Context: Schools/Educational Settings

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Increased Horticultural Knowledge, Improved Mental Health, Improved Cognitive Function

Allied Profession Intersections: Behavioral Therapy, Climate Psychology/Psychotherapy

Type of Activity: Nature-Based Arts & Crafts, Plant Propagation, Environmental Education, Sensory Stimulation, Indoor Plant Care

Evidence Type: Quantitative Research, Peer-Reviewed Studies, Randomized Controlled Trials

Measurement and Evaluation: Patient-Reported Outcomes, Standardized Assessment Tools, Metrics for Mental Health, Metrics for Physical Health

Access: Free

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Summary

The research analyzed 400 participants to assess how different horticultural activities—indoor and outdoor plant activities, arts/crafts, and excursions—affect psychological well-being and fruit and vegetable consumption. Results showed that indoor and outdoor plant activities significantly improved well-being, and in turn, higher well-being correlated with increased fruit and vegetable intake. Interestingly, arts/crafts and excursions had no measurable effect on either mental health or dietary habits.

The study concludes that gardening enhances mental health and encourages healthier eating, especially when individuals actively grow plants indoors or outdoors. It suggests that promoting community-based and home gardening programs can be an effective strategy to support public health and nutrition awareness

Link

Shao, Y., Elsadek, M., & Liu, B. (2020). Horticultural activity: Its contribution to stress recovery and wellbeing for children. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(4), 1229. MDPI.

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RESEARCH

Horticultural Activity: Its Contribution to Stress Recovery and Wellbeing for Children

Summary

Link

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