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Wang Y, Timms F, Li J, Yu H. Benefits of nature-based intervention in combating the impact of urbanization on psychopathology in industrialized societies. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2024; 37:202-211. [PMID: 38415720 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The assumption has been made that urbanization adversely affects mental health, primarily attributed to the lack of access to nature. Our objective is to examine whether nature-based interventions can reduce psychopathology within an urban setting. RECENT FINDINGS Nature-based interventions are generally categorized as either physical or virtual. Physical interventions engage participants in various activities like passive exposure, outdoor swimming, or physical activities in natural environments. On the other hand, virtual interventions expose participants to visual, auditory, or even olfactory stimuli to simulate natural environments. While most interventions achieved some degree of success in enhancing overall well being, not all demonstrated a significant reduction in depression and anxiety. SUMMARY The review identified a shortage of well designed and well implemented outdoor or virtual nature-based interventions. Longitudinal designs in physical nature-based interventions provided the strongest evidence for reducing anxiety and depression. Multisensory virtual nature-based interventions also show significant potential for alleviating anxiety and depression in urban dwellers. Conversely, brief nature-based interventions yielded inconsistent results in improving mental health. Urgent investment in high-quality interventions and research in this domain is imperative to inform policy and enhance overall mental health in urban settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, China; School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Franklin Timms
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
| | - Jiaqi Li
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, China; School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
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Baik H, Choi S, An M, Jin H, Kang I, Yoon W, Yoo Y. Effect of Therapeutic Gardening Program in Urban Gardens on the Mental Health of Children and Their Caregivers with Atopic Dermatitis. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:919. [PMID: 38727476 PMCID: PMC11083003 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12090919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to identify the physical and psychological difficulties of children with atopic dermatitis and their caregivers, and to investigate the effects of participation in a novel therapeutic gardening program based on psychological intervention on their physical and mental health. The program, consisting of 15 sessions, was conducted for approximately 4 months in urban gardens in Seoul and involved 30 children with atopic dermatitis and their caregivers. Additionally, a control group of 30 non-participating caregivers was recruited for comparative analysis. The psychological and emotional changes in caregivers were assessed using six self-report scales (depression, anxiety, stress, vitality, life satisfaction, parenting efficacy) before and after participation in the program. Additionally, the depression index (CDI) and atopic dermatitis index (SCORAD, TEWL) were measured for the children with atopic dermatitis. The research results indicate that the therapeutic gardening program utilizing psychological intervention had a positive impact on the physiological and psychological health of participants. These results are significant as they demonstrate the clinical application of the professionally developed therapeutic gardening program through active intervention and operation. This study suggests that this program can serve as an effective intervention in improving the mental health of both children with atopic dermatitis and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjin Baik
- Korea Research and Institute for People & Environment, Seoul 05737, Republic of Korea; (H.B.); (S.C.); (M.A.)
| | - Sueran Choi
- Korea Research and Institute for People & Environment, Seoul 05737, Republic of Korea; (H.B.); (S.C.); (M.A.)
| | - Miae An
- Korea Research and Institute for People & Environment, Seoul 05737, Republic of Korea; (H.B.); (S.C.); (M.A.)
| | - Hyeyoung Jin
- Korea National Arboretum, Pocheon 11186, Republic of Korea;
| | - Insoon Kang
- Allergy Immunology Center, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; (I.K.); (W.Y.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonsuck Yoon
- Allergy Immunology Center, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; (I.K.); (W.Y.)
| | - Young Yoo
- Allergy Immunology Center, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; (I.K.); (W.Y.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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Wood CJ, Morton G, Rossiter K, Baumber B, Bragg RE. A qualitative study of the barriers to commissioning social and therapeutic horticulture in mental health care. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1197. [PMID: 38684984 PMCID: PMC11059742 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18621-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) is a process where trained practitioners work with plants and people to improve an individual's physical and psychological health, communication and thinking skills. Evidence suggests that STH can support individuals with mental ill-health, however, current commissioning of STH within mental health care is limited. This study aimed to understand the barriers to commissioning STH in mental health care and to identify potential solutions to barriers, to support more widespread availability of services. METHODS: Individuals with a role in mental health care commissioning from across the UK were invited to take part in semi-structured interviews via zoom. Interviews explored factors influencing the mental health services they commission or refer to, their perception of the role of STH in mental health care and the barriers to commissioning STH, together with potential solutions to any barriers identified. RESULTS Commissioners identified a lack of knowledge of STH and evidence of its effectiveness, and a culture which prioritises traditional medical models, as barriers to commissioning. Challenges for STH providers in responding to large-scale commissioning requirements were also highlighted as a barrier. CONCLUSIONS To upscale commissioning of STH in mental health care, STH interventions need to be embedded within NHS priorities and information on STH services and their effectiveness needs to be easily accessible to practitioners. The sector should also be supported in working collaboratively to enable commissioning of services at scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly J Wood
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, CO43SQ, UK.
| | - Georgina Morton
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, CO43SQ, UK
| | | | - Becs Baumber
- Thrive, Geoffrey Udall Centre, Beech Hill, Reading, RG72AT, UK
| | - Rachel E Bragg
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, CO43SQ, UK
- Rachel Bragg Consultancy, Hereford, HR11GZ, UK
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Kang M, Yang Y, Kim H, Jung S, Jin HY, Choi KH. The mechanisms of nature-based therapy on depression, anxiety, stress, and life satisfaction: examining mindfulness in a two-wave mediation model. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1330207. [PMID: 38187408 PMCID: PMC10768844 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1330207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Nature-based therapy (NBT), which centers around engaging in activities within natural surroundings, has consistently demonstrated therapeutic benefits for mental health. While NBT highlights the potential of nature as a therapeutic resource for promoting mental health, there is limited knowledge regarding its underlying mechanisms. Methods Two hundred seventy-six Korean participants (204 women, mean age = 54.99 ± 23.25 years) participated in a 30-session gardening program held twice weekly for 15 weeks. Structural equation modeling with a two-wave autoregressive cross-lagged model was used to investigate the mediating effects of mindfulness. Results NBT significantly improved the mean scores of all psychological variables. The mediation model was partially confirmed, with mindfulness at post-intervention (T2) mediating the relationship between baseline (T1) depression and anxiety and post-intervention (T2) life satisfaction. However, no significant indirect effect was observed between the path from stress (T1) to life satisfaction (T2). Conclusion Mindfulness is a crucial component for improving mental health outcomes. This study underscores the need to prioritize and emphasize mindfulness practices in NBT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjung Kang
- School of Psychology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- KU Mind Health Institute, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeji Yang
- School of Psychology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- KU Mind Health Institute, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjin Kim
- School of Psychology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- KU Mind Health Institute, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Songhie Jung
- Gardens and Education Research Division, Korea National Arboretum, Pocheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Young Jin
- Gardens and Education Research Division, Korea National Arboretum, Pocheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kee-Hong Choi
- School of Psychology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- KU Mind Health Institute, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Yang Y, Kim H, Kang M, Baik H, Choi Y, Jang EJ, Chang EJ, Yun S, Park M, Park E, Yun H, Lee TJ, Kwon YH, Hong KP, Lee AR, Jung S, Ahn TH, Jin HY, Choi KH. The effectiveness of nature-based therapy for community psychological distress and well-being during COVID-19: a multi-site trial. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22370. [PMID: 38102169 PMCID: PMC10724283 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49702-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the world population faced various mental health challenges, highlighting a need for new community-based psychosocial interventions. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of Nature-Based Therapy (NBT) for the community experiencing psychological distress during the pandemic. A multi-site trial comparing NBT and control groups was conducted in Korea with 291 participants exhibiting mild to severe depression or anxiety. A total of 192 participated in 30 sessions of therapeutic gardening, while 99 remained in the control group. Psychological distress and well-being were assessed using seven measures of depression, anxiety, daily activity, life satisfaction, mindfulness, stress, and loneliness. The effect sizes (Cohen's d) of NBT compared to the control group were medium to large: depression (0.583), anxiety (0.728), daily activity (1.002), life satisfaction (0.786), mindfulness (0.645), stress (0.903), and loneliness (0.695). Multilevel analysis revealed significant Time × Group interaction effects for all measures. Pearson correlation (r = - 0.28 to 0.71) showed that changes in all variables correlated significantly with each other, with small to large effect sizes. Therapeutic alliance at post-test positively moderated the intervention effects on the outcomes. We concluded that NBT is a promising psychosocial intervention for treating psychological distress for community dwellers.
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Grants
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
- KNA1-3-2, 21-5 Korea National Arboretum
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeji Yang
- School of Psychology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Korea
- KU Mind Health Institute, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Hyunjin Kim
- School of Psychology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Korea
- KU Mind Health Institute, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Minjung Kang
- School of Psychology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Korea
- KU Mind Health Institute, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Hyunjin Baik
- Korea Research and Institute for People and Environment, 246, Munjeong-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05737, Korea
| | - Yunseok Choi
- GRAMDESIGN, 225, Jangmal-ro, Bucheon, 14609, Korea
| | - Eu-Jean Jang
- Institute of Science and Natural Resources, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Eun-Jin Chang
- Department of Counseling Psychology, Korea Baptist Theological University, 190, Bugyuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34098, Korea
| | - Sukyoung Yun
- Department of Smart Green Care, Daegu Catholic University, 13-13, Hayang-ro, Hayang-eup, Gyeongsan, 38430, Korea
| | - Miok Park
- Department of Smart Green City Industry Convergence, Korea Nazarene University, 48, Wolbong-ro, Seobuk-gu, Cheonan, 31172, Korea
| | - Eunyeong Park
- Department of Environmental Landscape Architecture, Joongbu University, 201 Daehak-ro, Chubu-myeon, Geumsan-gun, 32713, Korea
| | - Hojun Yun
- Landscape Yeoleum, 65 Poeun-ro 2ga-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, 04026, Korea
| | - Taek-Joo Lee
- Hantaek Botanical Garden, 2, Hantaek-ro, Baegam-myeon, Cheoin-gu, Yongin, 17183, Korea
| | - Yeong-Han Kwon
- Department of Horticultural Design, Shingu College, 377 Gwangmyeong-ro, Seongnam, 13174, Korea
| | - Kwang-Pyo Hong
- Korea Institute of Garden Design, 45, World Cup buk-ro 9-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, 03998, Korea
| | - Ai-Ran Lee
- Landscape Urban Planning, Department of Human Environment Design, Cheongju University, 298, Daeseong-ro, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju, 28503, Korea
| | - Songhie Jung
- Gardens and Education Research Division, Korea National Arboretum, 415, Gwangneungsumogwon-ro, Soheul-eup, Pocheon, 11186, Korea
| | - Tai-Hyeon Ahn
- Gardens and Education Research Division, Korea National Arboretum, 415, Gwangneungsumogwon-ro, Soheul-eup, Pocheon, 11186, Korea
| | - Hye-Young Jin
- Gardens and Education Research Division, Korea National Arboretum, 415, Gwangneungsumogwon-ro, Soheul-eup, Pocheon, 11186, Korea
| | - Kee-Hong Choi
- School of Psychology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Korea.
- KU Mind Health Institute, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Korea.
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Wood CJ, Barton JL, Wicks CL. The Impact of Therapeutic Community Gardening on the Wellbeing, Loneliness, and Life Satisfaction of Individuals with Mental Illness. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13166. [PMID: 36293750 PMCID: PMC9602650 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND literature on the mental health benefits of therapeutic community gardening is not specific to individuals with mental illness and reports short-term outcomes. The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on intervention effectiveness is also unknown. This study examined the impact of therapeutic community gardening prior to and across the pandemic on the wellbeing of individuals referred for support with their mental illness. METHODS garden members (n = 53; male = 36, female = 17) aged 47.38 ± 13.09 years reported their wellbeing at baseline and four follow-up points (FU1-FU4) across the pandemic. RESULTS there was significant quadratic growth in wellbeing (-1.248; p < 0.001) that varied between genders (p = 0.021). At baseline, male wellbeing scores were significantly lower (p = 0.020) than the UK population norm, but there were no significant differences at any other follow-up point. Female wellbeing was significantly lower than the UK population norm at baseline (p < 0.001), FU1 (p = 0.012) and FU2 (p < 0.001), but not FU3 and FU4. CONCLUSION therapeutic community gardening can improve and maintain the wellbeing of individuals with mental illness, even when wellbeing is deteriorating nationally. Future research should further demonstrate the long-term and cost-effectiveness of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly J. Wood
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Jo L. Barton
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Claire L. Wicks
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
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Wong JL, Powell RA. Untapped potential of nature-based activities for mental health: need for further research. Int Rev Psychiatry 2022; 34:537-540. [PMID: 36165752 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2022.2125289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
In April 2022, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change stated clearly that without immediate and deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, it would be impossible to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels. A growing body of research shows an increasing reaction to witnessing or experiencing current climate impacts and concern regarding apparent inaction in response, manifests as negative cognitive, emotional, and behavioural responses, including eco-anxiety. This commentary contends that nature-based activities (NBAs) have a potentially important, but currently neglected, role to play in supporting those experiencing eco-anxiety. However, existing research limitations hinder their adoption in the United Kingdom's social prescribing agenda and they remain a largely untapped therapeutic resource that need to be mainstreamed into clinical and social care provision. The paper calls for investment in research that advances our understanding of the individual and community benefits of NBAs, the longevity of their impact, and their associated, comparative and opportunity costs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard A Powell
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Ethnicity and Health Unit, NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Northwest London, London, UK
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