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Are Community Gardening and Horticultural Interventions Beneficial for Psychosocial Well-Being? A Meta-Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Giuseppina Spano

    (Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy)

  • Marina D’Este

    (Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy)

  • Vincenzo Giannico

    (Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy)

  • Giuseppe Carrus

    (Department of Education, Roma Tre University, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Mario Elia

    (Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy)

  • Raffaele Lafortezza

    (Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
    Department of Geography, The University of Hong Kong, Centennial Campus, Hong Kong, China)

  • Angelo Panno

    (Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, 00163 Rome, Italy)

  • Giovanni Sanesi

    (Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy)

Abstract

Recent literature has revealed the positive effect of gardening on human health; however, empirical evidence on the effects of gardening-based programs on psychosocial well-being is scant. This meta-analysis aims to examine the scientific literature on the effect of community gardening or horticultural interventions on a variety of outcomes related to psychosocial well-being, such as social cohesion, networking, social support, and trust. From 383 bibliographic records retrieved (from 1975 to 2019), seven studies with a total of 22 effect sizes were selected on the basis of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Meta-analytic findings on 11 comparisons indicate a positive and moderate effect of horticultural or gardening interventions on psychosocial well-being. Moderation analysis shows a greater effect size in individualistic than collectivistic cultures. A greater effect size was also observed in studies involving community gardening compared to horticultural intervention. Nevertheless, an effect of publication bias and study heterogeneity has been detected. Despite the presence of a large number of qualitative studies on the effect of horticulture/gardening on psychosocial well-being, quantitative studies are lacking. There is a strong need to advance into further high-quality studies on this research topic given that gardening has promising applied implications for human health, the community, and sustainable city management.

Suggested Citation

  • Giuseppina Spano & Marina D’Este & Vincenzo Giannico & Giuseppe Carrus & Mario Elia & Raffaele Lafortezza & Angelo Panno & Giovanni Sanesi, 2020. "Are Community Gardening and Horticultural Interventions Beneficial for Psychosocial Well-Being? A Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-12, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:10:p:3584-:d:360590
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    7. Kheng Siang Ted Ng & Angelia Sia & Maxel K. W. Ng & Crystal T. Y. Tan & Hui Yu Chan & Chay Hoon Tan & Iris Rawtaer & Lei Feng & Rathi Mahendran & Anis Larbi & Ee Heok Kua & Roger C. M. Ho, 2018. "Effects of Horticultural Therapy on Asian Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-14, August.
    8. Masashi Soga & Daniel T. C. Cox & Yuichi Yamaura & Kevin J. Gaston & Kiyo Kurisu & Keisuke Hanaki, 2017. "Health Benefits of Urban Allotment Gardening: Improved Physical and Psychological Well-Being and Social Integration," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-13, January.
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    6. Carly J. Wood & Marie Polley & Jo L. Barton & Claire L. Wicks, 2022. "Therapeutic Community Gardening as a Green Social Prescription for Mental Ill-Health: Impact, Barriers, and Facilitators from the Perspective of Multiple Stakeholders," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-14, October.
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    8. Wangqin Bi & Xinyi Jiang & Huijun Li & Yingyi Cheng & Xingxing Jia & Yuheng Mao & Bing Zhao, 2022. "The More Natural the Window, the Healthier the Isolated People—A Pathway Analysis in Xi’an, China, during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-14, August.
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