Veterans
Category: Veterans, Therapeutic Design
Title: Evaluation of Military Service Member Preferences of Landscape Design Elements in Therapeutic Gardens (2024)
Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/13/5/658
Summary: This study explored therapeutic garden design for the specific target population of veterans. 366 people responded to the online questionnaire, with clear differences in design preferences between military service members and civilians. Both like clear walkways, good lighting and natural views in a garden. However, military service members strongly prefer fences, gates and views that provide privacy, whilst having a clear line of sight to aid sense of safety. These insights can help urban planners and landscapers design green spaces that better meet the needs of specific groups, highlighting the importance of creating inclusive environments.
Category: Veterans
Title: Therapeutic Horticulture as a Healing Tool for Veterans:
A Literature review and Mixed Methods Study (2020)
Link: https://www.publicgardens.org/resource/therapeutic-horticulture-healing-tool-veterans/
Summary: This literature review and study* highlights US horticultural therapy programmes at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities, focusing on the benefits of gardening for veterans with complex diagnoses. The programmes help improve mental health, reduce stress, and provide physical rehabilitation and have been particularly effective for veterans with PTSD, depression, and anxiety, providing a sense of purpose and community. The study suggests that the structured nature of gardening helps veterans transition smoothly into civilian life by offering a peaceful and productive outlet. It also explores theory behind the practice and recommends broader implementation due to these positive outcomes.
*Note that as a dissertation this has not been peer reviewed.
Category: Veterans; Mental Health; Connecting to Nature
Title: Long-Term Group Nature-Assisted Therapy for Veterans Diagnosed with
Chronic PTSD (2023)
Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/01609513.2023.2173358
Summary: Case study of combining nature therapy with group therapy in a long term adventure therapy programme for veterans with Chronic PTSD. Qualitative data was collected from 4 focus groups with 10 participants. Thematic analysis found 3 main themes: Reaching out to the world: Being in the world; Belonging: being part of a group; and Nature as a curative factor. It was found that this approach enhanced participants ability to cope with PTSD avoidance symptoms, and that nature was seen as a pivotal factor. Authors conclude that nature assisted therapy is a promising supplementary intervention, particularly for those who have failed to gain sufficient improvement through other therapies.