A Systematic Review of the Effects of Horticultural Therapy on Persons with Mental Health Conditions

ABSTRACT

A systematic review of the benefits of horticultural therapy (HT) on persons with mental health conditions was conducted. A review of research from 1992 through 2015 located 14 studies. The studies were analyzed using the McMaster’s Critical Review Form for Quantitative Studies (MQCRF), a scale by Barras (2005), and the Levels of Evidence for Occupational Therapy Outcomes Research. Eleven of 14 studies reported statistically significant findings in support of HT for at least one dependent variable. The findings were found in a variety of settings, mental health conditions, and with both genders. This review found moderate initial evidence that HT can improve client factors and performance skills.

KEYWORDS:

• Evidence-based practice
• horticultural therapy
• mental health
• occupational therapy
• systematic review