Horticultural therapy for enhancing children’s body-mind-spirit holistic health: A randomized controlled trial

Wu Yihan; Xiaohan Zhao; Marcus Yu Lung Chiu

doi:10.1921/swssr20252595

Authors

Wu Yihan Nanjing Normal University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1697-6019
Xiaohan Zhao Nanjing Normal University https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6466-8424
Marcus Yu Lung Chiu University of Greater Manchester https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6676-8886

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr20252595

Keywords:

body-mind-spirit holistic health, horticultural therapy, randomized controlled trial, social work

Abstract

Grounded in the holistic health theory of body-mind-spirit, this study uses a horticultural group intervention approach to examine the effectiveness of promoting holistic child development in social work practice. It aims to provide innovative perspectives and methodologies for social work practitioners and to support the creation and growth of child-friendly communities in mainland China. The study was conducted in the Z Child-Friendly Community of N City and involved 160 children who were divided into an intervention and control group for practical implementation. Evaluation was carried out using both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The results indicate that the Body-Mind-Spirit Horticulture group intervention is effective in promoting holistic health development in children by reducing stress, optimising emotional state, and promoting harmonious coexistence with nature. These findings have significant practical relevance. The study also discusses the challenges and limitations of implementing the holistic health group counselling programme in child-friendly communities.

Author Biographies

Wu Yihan, Nanjing Normal University

Yihan Wu is Wu is an Associate Professor at Nanjing Normal University, China. Her major research interests encompass adolescent social work and health social work. Her scholarly work particularly addresses mental health issues in youth populations and public health interventions for vulnerable children.

Xiaohan Zhao, Nanjing Normal University

Xiaohan Zhao is is a Research Assistant at Nanjing Normal University, China. She specializes in mental health social work, with research interests focusing on adolescent mental health interventions, psychosocial support systems, and community-based social work practices.

Marcus Yu Lung Chiu, University of Greater Manchester

Marcus Yu-Lung Chiu is a Research Professor of the Saint Francis University, Hong Kong, and a Visiting Professor of the University of Greater Manchester, UK. He was a mental health social worker by training and Marcus’ major research interests are stigma and help-seeking, mental health recovery, psychoeducation, and programme evaluation.

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