Planting hope in loss and grief: self-care applications of horticultural therapy for grief caregivers in Taiwan

Death Stud. 2014 Jul-Dec;38(6-10):603-11. doi: 10.1080/07481187.2013.820231. Epub 2014 Mar 3.

Abstract

In 2008, the Taiwan Association for Care and Counseling for Loss organized a workshop about Horticultural Therapy, conducted as a participatory action research (PAR). Nineteen grief caregivers participated. Specific goals were designed according to a survey of participant expectations and focus-group discussions. The workshop content included lectures and interactive activities. Results demonstrated that most participants displayed an increased awareness of personal loss and meaning in grief, indicating that horticulture and nature appreciation might relieve individual grief and stress. The report introduces the rationale, evolution, execution, and results of the program development.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Grief*
  • Health Services Research / methods
  • Horticultural Therapy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psychotherapy, Group / methods*
  • Self Care / methods
  • Stress, Psychological / therapy*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Taiwan
  • Treatment Outcome