방과 후 원예활동이 저소득 가정 아동의 우울과 자아존중감에 미치는 영향

Effects of After-school Horticultural Activities on the Depression and Self-Esteem of Children from Low-Income Families

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of after-school horticultural activities (HAs) for children from low-income families on depression and self-esteem and this program was evaluated at the B elementary School which was designated as an investment area in education in Ulsan Metropolitan City. The study was conducted for children who get educational welfare benefits from third to sixth grade elementary school students. Eleven people in the target group and 11 people in the control group participated in this program which was carried out and consisted of 12 sessions twice a month on Saturday. Depression measure results in the case of the control group for the pre- and post-analysis 14.83 to 14.16 did not differ significantly. However, in the case of the experimental group, depression value significantly decreased from 17.09 to 10.72(P<0.01). Experimental group results for self-esteem: the pre- and post-analysis of the overall horticultural activities and social self-esteem were respectively, 18.54 and 22.54 to 21.72 and 31.09 which showed significant increases(P<0.001). School and home self-esteem also increased from 22.09 to 26.09, and 30.54 to 34.09, respectively (P<0.05). Control group and experimental groups in overall showed significant differences in self-esteem and social self-esteem. All scores showed significant differences (P<0.001). In conclusion, a variety of after-school horticultural a variety of after school horticultural activities with plant materials on children from low-income families appears to reduce depression and improve self-esteem.