원예활동을 활용한 REBT 집단상담이 중년기 여성의 자아존중감과 우울에 미치는 영향

The Effect of REBT Group Counseling Utilizing Horticultural Activity on Self-Esteem and Depression in Middle-Aged Women

This study was carried to find out the effect of horticultural activity utilized with REBT group counseling on the self-esteem and depression in middle-aged women. Subjects were eight women with mild or severe depression who go to a mental health care center in J area. 10 sessions from August 30th, 2012 to November 15th, 2012 were conducted once a week, 2 hours for each session. Program plans were modified and reconstructed based on previous studies on the depression and self-esteem in middle-aged women based on REBT group counseling program. To effectively achieve the purpose of treatment, horticultural activities include planting plants, gardening, floral decoration, corsage, healing garden, topiary, making a rose flower soap were used to assist self-help treatment of REBT. In group counseling, such programs were constructed to generate positive behavioral changes; introduction with each other, forming an intimacy, goal setting, recovery of self-esteem through self-understanding and self-acceptance, increasing of positive emotions through self-understanding and understanding of others and feedback of the activities. For therapy techniques, CognitiveㆍEmotionalㆍBehavioral techniques were introduced. Changes in self-esteem according to the progress of the program were found to be statistically significant at 0.001 significance probability; the average self-esteem was increased from 2.37 to 3.23 after the program. Changes in depression were found to be statistically significant at 0.012 probability; the average level of depression was reduced from 1.98 to 1.46. Changes in emotions were observed; self-confidence was increased after three sessions while tension and anger were reduced in accordance with the progress of sessions. Pain, anxiety, and depression were reduced after fifth session. Consequently, horticultural program using REBT group counseling was very effective in increasing self-esteem and reducing depression in middle-aged women by generating positive cognitive and behavioral changes through horticultural activities.