Utilizing Therapeutic Gardening as an Intervention for Young Adults with ADHD
Maui Gentica
Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation
College: The College of Health Professions and Human Services
Major: Recreational Therapy
Faculty Research Mentor: Kyoung Kim
Abstract:
AbstractAttention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, which significantly interfere with an individual’s academic, occupational, and social functioning. Even though wide usage of pharmacological treatments has been employed, their limitations and adverse side effects have stimulated interest in seeking alternative therapies. Therapeutic gardening now emerges among them as a promising, structured nature-based intervention to enhance focus and emotional regulation.This study will look into how therapeutic gardening affects the attention spans of young adults with ADHD, a population in which limited research has been conducted. A total of six participants will take part in the gardening sessions once a week for 12 continuous weeks. Attention span will be measured pre- and post-intervention using the Conners’ Continuous Performance Test (CPT), while qualitative data is collected through weekly reflective journals and post-study open-ended questionnaires.Expected results were a significant increase in scores of CPT, fewer commission and omission errors, and general qualitative feedback on the soothing and engaging nature of the intervention. Such findings could fulfill a critical gap in the ADHD literature by providing evidence of therapeutic gardening as a feasible, non-pharmacological intervention option. The implications of the study go through to recreational therapy, educational programs, and community-based interventions, thus providing practical tools for ADHD management and a way to go in future research regarding long-term effects and scalability.