Garden Counseling Groups and Self-Esteem: A Mixed Methods Study With Children With Emotional and Behavioral Problems

Abstract

This research study focused on the use of a garden group counseling intervention to address the self-esteem of children with emotional and behavioral problems. The researchers found higher self-esteem among participants (N = 31) following the gardening group. Additionally, participants discussed feeling calm and happy and learning to working together through the group experience.

Keywords:

• children
• counseling
• garden
• group
• self-esteem

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Special thanks to Rachel Henesy, Nadine Isaac, Brendan Monoghan, and Sarah Nadler in helping facilitate the group experiences.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jacqueline M. Swank

Jacqueline M. Swank, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of counselor education, and Sang Min Shin, M.S., is a doctoral candidate, in the School of Human Development and Organizational Studies in Education in the College of Education at the University of Florida.

Sang Min Shin

Jacqueline M. Swank, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of counselor education, and Sang Min Shin, M.S., is a doctoral candidate, in the School of Human Development and Organizational Studies in Education in the College of Education at the University of Florida.