Reconstructing Hope Through Horticultural Therapy: A Phenomenological Study of Individuals with Post-Stroke Depression.
- 1Shanghai Jing'an District Shibei Hospital, Shanghai 200443, China.
- 2Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China.
- 3Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200072, China.
Abstract
Background: Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a common psychological complication that negatively affects rehabilitation and quality of life. This study explored the lived experiences of patients with PSD participating in horticultural therapy (HT). Methods: A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted among 15 individuals with mild-to-moderate PSD who completed a six-month HT program in Shanghai, China. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method. Results: Five themes emerged: rebuilding self-efficacy, reconstructing hope, enhancing social connectedness and sense of value, facilitating physical and psychological rehabilitation, and challenges during horticultural activities. Participants described HT as a meaningful experience that fostered confidence, hope, social participation, and motivation for recovery. Plant growth was often interpreted by participants as a symbol of personal resilience and hope, while horticultural activities were described as meaningful experiences that fostered social interaction and a sense of purpose. Nevertheless, plant loss and physical limitations sometimes generated frustration and helplessness. Conclusions: Participants described HT as a meaningful experience associated with self-efficacy, hope, social connectedness, and engagement in rehabilitation. The findings highlight the potential value of individualized horticultural activities as a supportive component of care for individuals with PSD and may inform the development of person-centered rehabilitation programs.
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BibTeX
@article{gong2026reconstructing,
title = {{Reconstructing Hope Through Horticultural Therapy: A Phenomenological Study of Individuals with Post-Stroke Depression.}},
author = {Yuehua Gong and Haijian Shen and Lingli Ren and Xiaoping Zhu},
journal = {Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3390/healthcare14193229},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42881667},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Reconstructing Hope Through Horticultural Therapy: A Phenomenological Study of Individuals with Post-Stroke Depression.
AU - Yuehua Gong
AU - Haijian Shen
AU - Lingli Ren
AU - Xiaoping Zhu
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/01
JO - Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
DO - 10.3390/healthcare14193229
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42881667
AB - Background: Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a common psychological complication that negatively affects rehabilitation and quality of life. This study explored the lived experiences of patients with PSD participating in horticultural therapy (HT). Methods: A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted among 15 individuals with mild-to-moderate PSD who completed a six-month HT program in Shanghai, China. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method. Results: Five themes emerged: rebuilding self-efficacy, reconstructing hope, enhancing social connectedness and sense of value, facilitating physical and psychological rehabilitation, and challenges during horticultural activities. Participants described HT as a meaningful experience that fostered confidence, hope, social participation, and motivation for recovery. Plant growth was often interpreted by participants as a symbol of personal resilience and hope, while horticultural activities were described as meaningful experiences that fostered social interaction and a sense of purpose. Nevertheless, plant loss and physical limitations sometimes generated frustration and helplessness. Conclusions: Participants described HT as a meaningful experience associated with self-efficacy, hope, social connectedness, and engagement in rehabilitation. The findings highlight the potential value of individualized horticultural activities as a supportive component of care for individuals with PSD and may inform the development of person-centered rehabilitation programs.
SN - 2227-9032
ER -