抄録
The purpose of this study was to examine the psychological effects of a horticultural therapy program utilizing Kobe Sports Park. The objective was to examine the effectiveness of the program by utilizing the park's outdoor space, green space, and indoor environment for a program that has traditionally been conducted inside the facility. Each program was organized into three categories, considering the five healing aspects of horticultural therapy (green space environment, plants, cultivation, creative activities, and interaction). The first is "horticultural activities" such as green space maintenance and planting activities in the park; the second is "park utilization" such as observing nature in the park and experiencing mindfulness; and the third is "creative activities" in which participants create artworks using natural materials found in the park. A psychological effectiveness survey using POMS2 was conducted before and after the horticultural therapy program (7 sessions), and significant differences in psychological improvement were observed at all sessions. The participants also gave positive evaluations of the program. Regarding the park-based horticultural therapy, the effectiveness of the program in providing psychological benefits under appropriate environment and preparation was confirmed.
