SEMBRANDO JUNTAS: A MIXED-METHODS EXPLORATION OF GARDENING'S THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL FOR ADOLESCENT LATINX FEMALES WITH MOOD DISORDERS

Abstract

In the midst of the youth mental health crisis in the United States, Latinx adolescent females are at particular risk of having a mood disorder while being simultaneously disproportionately less likely to access mental health care due to a multitude of structural barriers. Nature-based social prescribing, increasingly popular in primary care settings, refers to recommending participation in community programs to provide a multitude of beneficial effects, including improved mental health. Gardening is an example of one of these programs that has been well studied in adults with evidence of positive impacts on mental health. However, it is unclear whether gardening has similar positive impacts on high-risk groups such as adolescent Latinx females with mood disorders. Using mixed-methods, this pilot study explored the experiences of adolescent Latinx females with mood disorders as they participated in an 8-week-long gardening club intervention. Quantitative findings demonstrated statistically significant reductions in participant Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) impact scores and conduct scores after participation in the intervention. Qualitative feedback from participants supported these results and identified additional positive impacts of participation including relational connection, knowledge acquisition, and appreciation of having a safe space to engage with others.