The Impact of Therapeutic Community Gardening on the Wellbeing, Loneliness, and Life Satisfaction of Individuals with Mental Illness

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.

Unexpected effects of urban food activism on community and human wellbeing

“…Continued support and funding is particularly important when considering the involvement of those with mental health issues or who are otherwise vulnerable, as such groups are at most risk of harm if projects are terminated (Ramsden 2021 ). Cessation of funding for therapy groups is particularly detrimental as members usually experience stronger health benefits from gardening than other groups (Soga, Gaston, and Yamaura 2017 ), with those who were able to continue gardening during lockdown having improved mental health outcomes in relation to the rest of the UK population (Wood, Barton, and Wicks 2022 ).…”

A qualitative study of the barriers to commissioning social and therapeutic horticulture in mental health care

“…There are also numerous studies and reviews reporting the benefits for STH for individuals with symptoms of mental illness or diagnosed mental illness, aligning with mental health levels 2–4. However, in many cases this data is combined with data from individuals without mental ill-health, or for a range of mental health disorders [ 13 , 16 , 46 ], making it more difficult to isolate the evidence for specific conditions and those who require mental health intervention. Whilst studies focused on individuals at levels 2–4 with mild to severe mental illness have demonstrated positive effects for depression, wellbeing, quality of life and activities of daily living [ 16 , 47 ], many studies fail to incorporate comparison groups or randomisation procedures.…”

The Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on the Contribution of Local Green Space and Nature Connection to Mental Health

“…This study supports findings of previous research that indicated that nature connection is a significant component of the nature–health relationship. Nature-based interventions are already being used to support various populations, including people who have experienced trauma and people living with mental ill health [ 52 , 53 , 54 ]. To fully understand the role of nature connection for different populations, we recommend that nature-based interventions actively seek to increase nature connection through activities that promote meaningful connection with the natural environment [ 55 , 56 ].…”