Improved Self-Esteem in Women with Hearing Impairment after Horticultural Therapy and Subjects’ Program Preference

This study was conducted to determine the effects of horticultural therapy on self-esteem of women with hearing impairment. Ten women with hearing impairment registered in the Mokpo Branch of the Korean Association of the Deaf participated in the horticultural therapy programs (HTP) for self-esteem. The self-esteem scale was used to evaluate the effects of the programs and scores were compared to determine the difference before and after the programs. Self-esteem was improved in all 10 subjects, and its mean value increased with statistical significance from 22.5 points before the programs to 29.8 points after the programs. The programs preferred by women with hearing impairment included ‘making a centerpiece using scented candles and flowers’, ‘packing and planting pot spray chrysanthemum’, ‘making a topiary’, ‘planting Hedera helix’, and ‘planting cyclamen’. Therefore, it was suggested that self-esteem of women with hearing impairment were improved by increasing social and family support, emotional stability, positive feedback, and self-expression through horticultural therapy programs.