농촌 지역 여성노인의 텃밭경작이 자아존중감, 주관적행복감 및 우울감에 미치는 효과 분석

The Effect of Farming on the Change of Self-esteem, Subjective Happiness and Depression in Elderly Women in Rural Area

Purpose: This quasi-experimental study examined the effects of gardening on self-esteem, subjective happiness, and depression among older rural women. Methods: Participants were women aged sixty-five years or older residing in J-myeon, S City. Those who voluntarily agreed to participate were assigned to the experimental group (n=15) and those who did not wish to participate were assigned to the control group (n=15). The intervention was conducted from September to November 2024, three times per week, for a total of 24 sessions, with each session lasting 2 hours. Nonparametric statistical methods were applied. Group homogeneity for general characteristics and main variables was tested using the Mann-Whitney U Test, and pre-post intervention effects were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed-rank Test. Results: There were no significant differences between the experimental and control groups in general characteristics, self-esteem, subjective happiness or depression, indicating homogeneous groups. After the intervention, the experimental group showed significant improvements in self-esteem (p<.05), subjective happiness (p<.05) and as well as a significant reduction in depressive symptoms (p<.05). Conclusion: Continuous gardening for rural elderly women may improve physical, psychological, and social health, enhancing quality of life; further research should examine long-term effects and additional health indicators.