Journal of Turkish Therapeutic Horticulture

Down Sendromlu Bireyler İçin Hortikültürel Terapi Kapsamında Teraryum Etkinliği

2025-12-24T11:29:41+00:00

Specifically, based on the proven benefits of gardening activities in improving physiological, psychological, and social skills, it is envisioned that terrarium construction (similar to the small world technique) provides individuals with a creative and safe space that allows for self-expression, socialization, and adaptation to therapeutic processes. The unique developmental needs and challenges faced by individuals with Down Syndrome necessitate supportive and innovative therapeutic approaches, particularly in the areas of language, social, and emotional development. In this context, the primary objective of this study was to utilize a terrarium workshop as a hands-on activity model to contribute to the emotional and social development of individuals with Down Syndrome and to examine the effects of this intervention as a preliminary study. This preliminary study aims to examine the potential of terrariums as an intervention tool in Horticultural Therapy and to provide guidelines for their future use. Overall, the terrarium-making workshop is considered an effective hands-on activity model for improving the emotional state of individuals with Down Syndrome, supporting sensory integration, facilitating social integration, developing motor skills, and providing opportunities for authentic self-expression. In light of these findings, it is concluded that integrating terrarium workshops into education and rehabilitation programs for individuals with Down Syndrome will significantly contribute to their multidimensional development.

Effects of a Nature-Based Art Intervention on Students’ Stress and Well-Being

2025-12-24T08:11:04+00:00

The university period represents a critical transitional phase characterized by multidimensional stressors, including academic pressure, social adjustment processes, financial concerns, and increasing screen time. Continuous connectivity places additional strain on students’ attentional control and emotional regulation capacities, thereby increasing psychological vulnerability. In this context, Ecotherapy (Nature-Based Therapy) has emerged as an effective approach that foregrounds the psychophysiological restorative effects of contact with nature. The therapeutic mechanisms of ecotherapy are commonly interpreted through Stress Reduction Theory (SRT), which emphasizes the rapid attenuation of physiological stress responses in natural environments, and Attention Restoration Theory (ART), which explains cognitive recovery through reduced directed-attention demands. The present study aims to examine the effects of a nature-based art intervention, inspired by principles of horticultural therapy, on students’ perceived stress levels and well-being. Employing a pre-test–post-test design, the intervention consisted of pinecone collection in an outdoor setting followed by creative art production in an indoor studio, with outcomes assessed through self-reported questionnaires. The findings indicate post-intervention reductions in internal stress indicators, alongside positive changes in well-being components such as energy, present-moment awareness, and emotional balance. Overall, the results suggest that nature-based creative practices constitute an accessible intervention with potential to support students’ stress coping and psychological restoration processes.

Benim Küçük Bahçem: Bir Çiçekçinin Tutkulu Hikayesi

2025-12-22T10:02:02+00:00

ZEİNAB POUYA, 1990 yılında İran’nın Tebriz kentinde doğmuştur. Tebriz Üniversitesi Bahçe Bitkileri Bölümü’nde lisans eğitimini (2008–2012) ve süs bitkileri alanında yüksek lisans eğitimini (2013–2015) tamamlamıştır. Kariyeri boyunca; 2014–2017 yılları arasında kaktüs ve sukulent seralarında ziraat mühendisi olarak, İran Hamon Süs Bitkileri Üretim Serası’nda ziraat uzmanı olarak çalışmış ve çeşitli çiçek ve bitki yetiştirme kurumlarında görev yaparak farklı mesleki deneyimler edinmiştir. 2017–2024 yılları arasında İran’ın Kerej kentinde kendi iş yerini kurarak özel bir çiçek üretim ve satış yerinde çalışmıştır. Edindiği iş tecrübeleri sayesinde bitki yetiştirme, bitki hastalıkları, gübre üretimi ile çiçek işletmeciliği ve pazarlama konularında geniş bir bilgi birikimine sahiptir. 2025 yılında Ankara Üniversitesi Bahçe Bitkileri Bölümü’nde doktora eğitimine başlamış ve halen devam etmektedir. Anadili Farsça ve Azericedir, Türkçe ve İngilizce bilmektedir.

Effects of Virtual Reality Supported Nature Based Activities on Health of Older Adults

2025-12-24T08:07:50+00:00

The number and proportion of the older adults is steadily increasing worldwide. Older adult health is gaining greater importance with the growth of the older people. Due to the increasing prevalence of physical, psychological, and social health problems in old age, the importance of developing and implementing innovative interventions to ensure that older adults experience a healthy aging process is emphasized. In this context, nature based activities are one of the innovative active aging strategies that positively affect the health of older adults. On the other hand, urbanization, physical limitations, and lifestyle factors can make it difficult for older adults to participate in nature based interventions. Virtual reality technologies offer an alternative solution by providing simulations of natural environments independently of these barriers. Virtual reality activities can enable older adults to be immersed in nature, participate in physical activities and interact with realistic environmental stimulus. Virtual reality supported nature based activities are emerging as an effective method for protecting, developing, and improving the physical, psychological, and social health of older adults. Public health nurses play an important role in the planning, implementation and evaluation of virtual reality supported nature based activities for older adults.

A Theoretical Framework In Horticultural Therapy: Relf Models

2025-12-10T12:29:54+00:00

Horticultural therapy is a nature-based therapeutic approach that uses plants to promote holistic well-being. In order to increase its effectiveness and enable scientific evaluation, horticultural therapy requires a systematic framework. This review aims to explain the Relf Models, which provide such a framework. When defining horticultural therapy, Relf recommends that trained professionals implement horticultural activities with live plants for diagnosed clients, with the aim of achieving measurable goals. When modelling the benefits of horticultural therapy, Relf categorised them as emotional, social, physical and intellectual, but did not explain the relationships between them. Therefore, Takaesu restructured the model to reveal these relationships. In this model, Relf updated his original model by using the concepts of psychological and cognitive rather than emotional and intellectual, respectively. When modelling the mechanism of horticultural therapy, Relf based its dynamics on three fundamental elements: interaction, action and reaction. He created a circular model to demonstrate the relationship between these three elements. When modelling the mechanism of well-being or quality of life, Relf stated that holistic gains in horticultural therapy contribute to mental health and well-being. Consequently, these models provide a systematic framework for defining horticultural therapy, its benefits and its mechanisms.

Use of Plant Materials in Horticultural Therapy Applications

2025-12-20T19:20:02+00:00

Horticultural therapy is an interdisciplinary approach in which plants and gardening activities are used as therapeutic tools to support individuals’ physical, psychological, and social well-being. The plant materials used in this therapeutic method are among the fundamental elements that directly affect the effectiveness and sustainability of the applications.

The sensory characteristics of plants (such as color, texture, and fragrance), their maintenance requirements, seasonality, and safety suitability play a significant role in the therapeutic process. The appropriate selection and conscious use of plant materials enhance the positive effects of horticultural therapy on increasing physical activity, reducing stress levels, supporting cognitive functions, and strengthening social interaction.

Within the scope of this study, the importance of planning plant material use in horticultural therapy applications in a goal-oriented, user-centered, and safe manner is emphasized, and the characteristics of plant materials, selection criteria, and their modes of use for different user groups are discussed.