Effects of Horticultural Therapy on Depression and Emotional Balance of Women with Hearing Impairment

This study was conducted to examine the effects of horticultural therapy on depression and emotional balance of women with hearing impairment. Ten women with hearing impairment registered in the Mokpo branch of the Korean Association of the Hearing Impaired were selected, and participated in the horticultural therapy program composed of 14 sessions from May 15 to July 31. The horticultural therapy program consisted of ‘planting tropical orchids,’ ‘making a dish garden,’ ‘making plum pickles,’ ‘decorating a table with flowers,’ ‘making a hanging pot with succulent plants,’ ‘making pressed flowers with hydrangea,’ ‘making a fan with pressed flowers,’ ‘making a terrarium,’ ‘making a flower basket,’ ‘making a mosquito repellent spray,’ ‘decorating a heart-shaped cup with flowers,’ ‘making a natural herbal soap,’ ‘making a hydrangea bouquet’ and ‘making watermelon salad.’ The depression and emotional balance scales were used to examine the effects of the program and the pre- and post-program scores were compared. The mean value of depression statistically significantly decreased from 49.0 points before the program to 43.9 points after the program. In addition, the mean value of emotional balance statistically significantly increased from 0.3 points before the program to 2.3 points after the program. The activity of drawing a picture after each session was effective in reducing depression and improving positive emotional balance by expressing emotions through pictures. The programs preferred by women with hearing impairment included ‘making plum pickles,’ ‘making pressed flowers with hydrangea,’ ‘planting tropical orchids,’ ‘making a mosquito repellent spray,’ ‘making a natural herbal soap,’ and ‘making watermelon salad.’ In conclusion, horticultural therapy programs were effective in reducing depression and improving emotional balance of women with hearing impairment.