Understanding the value and limits of nature-based solutions
Added on 2022-09-07
48 Pages15188 Words42 Views
Professional DevelopmentData Science and Big DataDisease and DisordersNutrition and WellnessHealthcare and ResearchLanguages and CultureEnvironmental SciencePsychology
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Abstract
Nature-based methods and activities has increasingly shown to be effectiveness in
reducing one's stress level as well as improving the overall mental well-being. For instance, a
study found that recovery from stress, anxiety, and depression are achievable and far more
comprehensive as a nature-based resolution to improve mental health of individuals who
were participating in horticulture therapy. Physical activities, healthy diet, social support as
nature based methods like gardening and plantation activities in the garden has been found to
be effective to uphold mental health among Malaysians. Many reports states that emotional,
cognitive, and sensory-motor development and greater social involvement as well as health,
well-being, and satisfaction in life of housewives can be mediated through horticultural
therapy. The aim of the study is to understand the effect of gardening on the physical and
mental well-being of housewives. Depressed mothers of the children demonstrated emotional
and behavioral disruption and lag in significant development of language.
Nature-based methods and activities has increasingly shown to be effectiveness in
reducing one's stress level as well as improving the overall mental well-being. For instance, a
study found that recovery from stress, anxiety, and depression are achievable and far more
comprehensive as a nature-based resolution to improve mental health of individuals who
were participating in horticulture therapy. Physical activities, healthy diet, social support as
nature based methods like gardening and plantation activities in the garden has been found to
be effective to uphold mental health among Malaysians. Many reports states that emotional,
cognitive, and sensory-motor development and greater social involvement as well as health,
well-being, and satisfaction in life of housewives can be mediated through horticultural
therapy. The aim of the study is to understand the effect of gardening on the physical and
mental well-being of housewives. Depressed mothers of the children demonstrated emotional
and behavioral disruption and lag in significant development of language.
In-depth exploration into gardening experiences of housewives
World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as “a state of well-being in
which the individual realizes his or her abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can
work productively and fruitfully, and is can contribute to his or her community.” Mental
health issues seem to be one of the top problems faced by Malaysians as it has shown a
prevalence rate of 29.2 percent in which one of every three Malaysian faces mental health
problems, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (2015). This makes mental
illness to be the second-largest anticipated health issue following coronary heart disease by
2020. Based on statistics, 4.2 million people in Malaysia currently have a mental illness,
which can be costly to the national health budget, which has increased by 7.8 percent in 2019.
There is a diverse population affected by mental illness, and the most notable population are
females. Stress and anxiety in workplace and personal life, on a daily day to day basis
actually lead to complex mental issues on a long standing basis. According to the National
Health and Morbidity survey (2015), it is indicating that women are experiencing more stress,
especially higher among the housewives, which is 30.5 percent. In the context of Malaysia, it
has been reported that the daily work life of the women – professional and personal, leads to
World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as “a state of well-being in
which the individual realizes his or her abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can
work productively and fruitfully, and is can contribute to his or her community.” Mental
health issues seem to be one of the top problems faced by Malaysians as it has shown a
prevalence rate of 29.2 percent in which one of every three Malaysian faces mental health
problems, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (2015). This makes mental
illness to be the second-largest anticipated health issue following coronary heart disease by
2020. Based on statistics, 4.2 million people in Malaysia currently have a mental illness,
which can be costly to the national health budget, which has increased by 7.8 percent in 2019.
There is a diverse population affected by mental illness, and the most notable population are
females. Stress and anxiety in workplace and personal life, on a daily day to day basis
actually lead to complex mental issues on a long standing basis. According to the National
Health and Morbidity survey (2015), it is indicating that women are experiencing more stress,
especially higher among the housewives, which is 30.5 percent. In the context of Malaysia, it
has been reported that the daily work life of the women – professional and personal, leads to
piling of stress and anxiety that on a long term basis, causes adverse mental health conditions
like deep seated emotional issues and depression in the housewives. In other words, if the
wellbeing of housewives is overlooked, the development of our future generation might be
put at risk.
Therefore, study to uphold the wellbeing of housewives is required. But then what
would be feasible and affordable channels for housewives to gain access to activities that
uplift their wellbeing? Physical activities, healthy diet, social support as nature based
methods like gardening and plantation activities in the garden has been found to be effective
to uphold mental health among Malaysians. Meantime, nature-based methods and activities
has increasingly shown to be effectiveness in reducing one's stress level as well as improving
the overall mental well-being (Mohamed, Azlan & Talib, 2018). For instance, a study found
that recovery from stress, anxiety, and depression were achievable and far more
comprehensive as a nature-based resolution to improve mental health of individuals who
were participating in horticulture therapy (Vujcic et al., 2017). It is defined a continuum of
purposeful or passive use of plants and gardens in therapeutic and rehabilitative activities
intended to have a positive impact on a collection of identified health outcomes for
individuals such as physical, emotional, and mental health enhancements (Scott, 2017). As
part of nature-based activities which uphold mental health, gardening has also proven to
contribute various benefits to one's mental well-being by enhancing cognitive capabilities,
increasing positive affects, as well as improving the physical health of a person (Davies,
Devereaux, Lennartsson, Schmutz, & Williams 2014). Particularly, there are growing array
of evidence regarding gardening and its benefits to mental well-being evident (Por &
Shaharom 2017). From Centralized to Decentralized Service: Mental Health and Psychiatry
in Malaysia. In Mental Health in Asia and the Pacific (pp. 175-191). Springer, Boston, MA.).
However, there are still lacking of studies on t how gardening can help to improve mental
like deep seated emotional issues and depression in the housewives. In other words, if the
wellbeing of housewives is overlooked, the development of our future generation might be
put at risk.
Therefore, study to uphold the wellbeing of housewives is required. But then what
would be feasible and affordable channels for housewives to gain access to activities that
uplift their wellbeing? Physical activities, healthy diet, social support as nature based
methods like gardening and plantation activities in the garden has been found to be effective
to uphold mental health among Malaysians. Meantime, nature-based methods and activities
has increasingly shown to be effectiveness in reducing one's stress level as well as improving
the overall mental well-being (Mohamed, Azlan & Talib, 2018). For instance, a study found
that recovery from stress, anxiety, and depression were achievable and far more
comprehensive as a nature-based resolution to improve mental health of individuals who
were participating in horticulture therapy (Vujcic et al., 2017). It is defined a continuum of
purposeful or passive use of plants and gardens in therapeutic and rehabilitative activities
intended to have a positive impact on a collection of identified health outcomes for
individuals such as physical, emotional, and mental health enhancements (Scott, 2017). As
part of nature-based activities which uphold mental health, gardening has also proven to
contribute various benefits to one's mental well-being by enhancing cognitive capabilities,
increasing positive affects, as well as improving the physical health of a person (Davies,
Devereaux, Lennartsson, Schmutz, & Williams 2014). Particularly, there are growing array
of evidence regarding gardening and its benefits to mental well-being evident (Por &
Shaharom 2017). From Centralized to Decentralized Service: Mental Health and Psychiatry
in Malaysia. In Mental Health in Asia and the Pacific (pp. 175-191). Springer, Boston, MA.).
However, there are still lacking of studies on t how gardening can help to improve mental
well-being for the affected Malaysian populations, particularly housewives (Ismail, 2015).
Even so housewives from lower income group who are living in distressful environment,
according to Karim (2011).
In considering the positive effects of gardening and yet scanty research has been
conducted to understand the effects on the overlooked population, particularly the
housewives from the lower income group (Mansor, Harun & Zakariya 2015), Hence, this
study will explore the experiences of gardening among housewives living in a low-cost
apartment/flats and how it has brought value to lives of the housewives. As indicated by a
study, living in a low-cost flat may cause stress and tension to a person as such living space
can be cramped, and they would have a lack of privacy (Karim, 2011). It is a known fact that
the majority of housewives are the primary caregiver to their children. and tension faced by a
mother as a caregiver can lead to poor caregiving practices while leaving an adverse effect on
the child’s development and mental health. Thus, it is crucial for conduction of In-depth
research to explore and understand better how gardening may be a beneficial tool for these
specific types’ of housewives and their mental wellbeing.
Problem statement
Housewives have higher mental health issues when compared to employed women
(Saravi, Navidian, Rigi, & Montazeri, 2012). According to reports, the rates of women in
Malaysia with severe to mild mental health issues has been increasing, when they are
unemployed There are multiple pieces of researches on women’s mental health issues, and its
connection with their occupations and the results of the rate of mental illness among
housewives is quite alarming even though they are unemployed. For example, a study
reported that the greatest possibility for mental illness was associated with unemployment,
whereby 1.813 times more unemployed women than employed women had more chances of
developing mental illness (Noorbala et al., 2013). The needed attention is not given to
Even so housewives from lower income group who are living in distressful environment,
according to Karim (2011).
In considering the positive effects of gardening and yet scanty research has been
conducted to understand the effects on the overlooked population, particularly the
housewives from the lower income group (Mansor, Harun & Zakariya 2015), Hence, this
study will explore the experiences of gardening among housewives living in a low-cost
apartment/flats and how it has brought value to lives of the housewives. As indicated by a
study, living in a low-cost flat may cause stress and tension to a person as such living space
can be cramped, and they would have a lack of privacy (Karim, 2011). It is a known fact that
the majority of housewives are the primary caregiver to their children. and tension faced by a
mother as a caregiver can lead to poor caregiving practices while leaving an adverse effect on
the child’s development and mental health. Thus, it is crucial for conduction of In-depth
research to explore and understand better how gardening may be a beneficial tool for these
specific types’ of housewives and their mental wellbeing.
Problem statement
Housewives have higher mental health issues when compared to employed women
(Saravi, Navidian, Rigi, & Montazeri, 2012). According to reports, the rates of women in
Malaysia with severe to mild mental health issues has been increasing, when they are
unemployed There are multiple pieces of researches on women’s mental health issues, and its
connection with their occupations and the results of the rate of mental illness among
housewives is quite alarming even though they are unemployed. For example, a study
reported that the greatest possibility for mental illness was associated with unemployment,
whereby 1.813 times more unemployed women than employed women had more chances of
developing mental illness (Noorbala et al., 2013). The needed attention is not given to
housewives as a subject of interest when it comes to mental health issues in Malaysia as there
are very few to no research that focuses on housewives. It is even so among housewives in
lower income group, as study has shown that health status among Malaysians are influenced
by socioeconomic status (Mariapun, Hairi, & Ng, 2016). Hence, it is very vital to explore
and understand the ways that can be used to enhance the mental well-being of housewives
who come from lower income group.
Many ways have been established to improve one’s mental well-being, such as
physical exercises, which includes cycling, jogging, dancing, and gardening (Sharma,
Madaan, & Petty, 2006). This study will focus on gardening as it has been used by the
horticultural therapist to heal and promote one’s mental well-being. Meanwhile, gardening
such as pot gardening is easily accessible for anyone and it is economical. A study states that
emotional, cognitive, and sensory-motor development and greater social involvement as well
as health, well-being, and satisfaction in life can be mediated through horticultural therapy
(Soderback, Soderstrom & Schalander, 2009). Besides that, gardening is known to be an
enjoyable leisure time activity, which has multiple benefits (Crombie et al., 2004). Weng and
Chiang (2014) also mentioned that gardening activity is a good leisure activity for
psychological restoration leading to the increment of mental well-being.
Furthermore, it has been established by many studies that gardening is therapeutic,
which helps to boost one’s mental well-being. For example, Gross and Lane (2007)
mentioned in their research on how gardening activity had reduce the stress level and can be
used as a way to cope with mental health illness. Taking part in gardening activity has proven
to have both mental and emotional benefits (Hartwig & Mason, 2016), which helps to enrich
one’s well-being. However, there is still a lack of knowledge and awareness on the benefits
of gardening towards mental well-being in Malaysia (Ismail, Utaberta, & Ismail, 2015).
are very few to no research that focuses on housewives. It is even so among housewives in
lower income group, as study has shown that health status among Malaysians are influenced
by socioeconomic status (Mariapun, Hairi, & Ng, 2016). Hence, it is very vital to explore
and understand the ways that can be used to enhance the mental well-being of housewives
who come from lower income group.
Many ways have been established to improve one’s mental well-being, such as
physical exercises, which includes cycling, jogging, dancing, and gardening (Sharma,
Madaan, & Petty, 2006). This study will focus on gardening as it has been used by the
horticultural therapist to heal and promote one’s mental well-being. Meanwhile, gardening
such as pot gardening is easily accessible for anyone and it is economical. A study states that
emotional, cognitive, and sensory-motor development and greater social involvement as well
as health, well-being, and satisfaction in life can be mediated through horticultural therapy
(Soderback, Soderstrom & Schalander, 2009). Besides that, gardening is known to be an
enjoyable leisure time activity, which has multiple benefits (Crombie et al., 2004). Weng and
Chiang (2014) also mentioned that gardening activity is a good leisure activity for
psychological restoration leading to the increment of mental well-being.
Furthermore, it has been established by many studies that gardening is therapeutic,
which helps to boost one’s mental well-being. For example, Gross and Lane (2007)
mentioned in their research on how gardening activity had reduce the stress level and can be
used as a way to cope with mental health illness. Taking part in gardening activity has proven
to have both mental and emotional benefits (Hartwig & Mason, 2016), which helps to enrich
one’s well-being. However, there is still a lack of knowledge and awareness on the benefits
of gardening towards mental well-being in Malaysia (Ismail, Utaberta, & Ismail, 2015).
Literature
As a result, there is a lack of study on gardening and the long-term advantages of
having a garden at home, such as pot gardens. The cultivation of crops, including edible
plants, is primarily a discipline of container gardening or pot gardening rather than planting
in the soil. Besides that, most of the research done on gardening focused on community
gardening (gardening is done with a group of individuals).
Furthermore, in Malaysia, there is only a handful of study that relates gardening
activity towards mental health. This research focuses on how pot gardening at home has
benefitted the participants as all the selected samples (housewives) have done pot gardening
from the age of 30-45 years
in their lives. This would help contribute a different outlook and perspective towards
the long-term gardening and help to understand the reasons for their continued participation
in the pot gardening activity. Moreover, generally, there is only a handful of research
conducted that focuses on housewives. Many kinds of research focus on working adults and
different professions, which fails to include housewives as a vital part of studies. Only a few
researches that have been conducted and many stated that housewives have lower mental
health when compared to working women (Saravi, Navidian, Rigi, & Montazeri, 2012).
However, this research does not specify what type of housewives' population as housewives
can come from different backgrounds. This research will fill the gap by focusing on
housewives who live in low-cost flats or apartments and obtain a deep understanding of their
experiences towards pot gardening as standard pots are the most popular planting options for
people living in small living space (Gejdos et al., 2017). The qualitative approach helps to
have a more in-depth understanding and outlook from a housewife's point of view as they
As a result, there is a lack of study on gardening and the long-term advantages of
having a garden at home, such as pot gardens. The cultivation of crops, including edible
plants, is primarily a discipline of container gardening or pot gardening rather than planting
in the soil. Besides that, most of the research done on gardening focused on community
gardening (gardening is done with a group of individuals).
Furthermore, in Malaysia, there is only a handful of study that relates gardening
activity towards mental health. This research focuses on how pot gardening at home has
benefitted the participants as all the selected samples (housewives) have done pot gardening
from the age of 30-45 years
in their lives. This would help contribute a different outlook and perspective towards
the long-term gardening and help to understand the reasons for their continued participation
in the pot gardening activity. Moreover, generally, there is only a handful of research
conducted that focuses on housewives. Many kinds of research focus on working adults and
different professions, which fails to include housewives as a vital part of studies. Only a few
researches that have been conducted and many stated that housewives have lower mental
health when compared to working women (Saravi, Navidian, Rigi, & Montazeri, 2012).
However, this research does not specify what type of housewives' population as housewives
can come from different backgrounds. This research will fill the gap by focusing on
housewives who live in low-cost flats or apartments and obtain a deep understanding of their
experiences towards pot gardening as standard pots are the most popular planting options for
people living in small living space (Gejdos et al., 2017). The qualitative approach helps to
have a more in-depth understanding and outlook from a housewife's point of view as they
would be free to express their thoughts and emotions towards gardening and what is the value
gardening in their lives.
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study is to understand better gardening experiences of housewives
living in low-cost flats. The main aim is to get a better understanding of how pot gardening
has aided housewives living in low-cost flats through their different experiences and the
changes it has brought to their mental wellbeing. This research will give insights into how
pot gardening can influence mental health, which can help to raise awareness on how
different dimensions of mental health can be promoted through pot gardening..
Significance of the Study
Since there are less research and literature on pot gardening, this study would help to
give insights on how pot gardening influences housewives who live in low-cost flats and
what are the changes it has brought to their mental health and overall wellbeing.
This research can contribute to increase awareness on the benefits of gardening towards
mental health among the mental health professionals Thus, hopefully this study may lead to
changes in the government policies, in which pot gardening can be incorporated as one of the
channels to uphold mental health among the lower income group..
Literature Review
Theoretical Approach
Attention Restoration Theory (ART) (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989) and the Psycho-physiological
stress reduction theory (Ulrich, 1983) are the two leading theories that are commonly related
to gardening and gardening activity. These two theories are in line with the Biophilia
hypothesis, which talks about humans and their needs to associate themselves with nature.n
particular, there is an emotional connection between humans and nature. These two theories
state that with the exposure to nature or natural environments like gardens, humans can
gardening in their lives.
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study is to understand better gardening experiences of housewives
living in low-cost flats. The main aim is to get a better understanding of how pot gardening
has aided housewives living in low-cost flats through their different experiences and the
changes it has brought to their mental wellbeing. This research will give insights into how
pot gardening can influence mental health, which can help to raise awareness on how
different dimensions of mental health can be promoted through pot gardening..
Significance of the Study
Since there are less research and literature on pot gardening, this study would help to
give insights on how pot gardening influences housewives who live in low-cost flats and
what are the changes it has brought to their mental health and overall wellbeing.
This research can contribute to increase awareness on the benefits of gardening towards
mental health among the mental health professionals Thus, hopefully this study may lead to
changes in the government policies, in which pot gardening can be incorporated as one of the
channels to uphold mental health among the lower income group..
Literature Review
Theoretical Approach
Attention Restoration Theory (ART) (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989) and the Psycho-physiological
stress reduction theory (Ulrich, 1983) are the two leading theories that are commonly related
to gardening and gardening activity. These two theories are in line with the Biophilia
hypothesis, which talks about humans and their needs to associate themselves with nature.n
particular, there is an emotional connection between humans and nature. These two theories
state that with the exposure to nature or natural environments like gardens, humans can
improve their mental health However, in recent times, research indicates that humans have
been distanced from nature and spend about 95 – 99% of their time indoors (Chalquist,
2009).
Kaplan and Kaplan’s (1995) Attention Restoration Theory (ART) has shown that exposing to
natural environment has an impact on cognitive capability. It states that there are four main
components of natural environments that are integral to the experience of attention restoration
in that environment: fascination, being away, extent, and compatibility. According to the
theory, for being away, it helps a person in two different ways to feel like they are away from
their everyday surroundings and environment. Firstly, being physically away, which helps a
person to be in a different location entirely like walking through the gardens or forest.
Secondly, being psychologically away as it helps a person to have different thoughts and
peace of mind, which contributes to a person's cognitive abilities. Morris (2003) also
supported the theory. He added that captivating features such as flowers, vegetables, fruits,
and other natural features in the environment also helps to reduce stress and increase
cognitive capabilities. Secondly, the extent means the natural surrounding have an "extent,"
which helps to create an illusion of an entirely new world that one can be in and be able to
rest. Fascination, however, means that the natural environment could captivate a person's
attention effortlessly, and this allows the person to rest while being immersed in the
surrounding. Clayton (2007) supported this by further stating that natural surrounding
provides an optimal level of sensory stimulation that is neither dull nor overpowering, which
helps with reducing stress. Lastly, compatibility means the ability of the natural environment
to meet the desires and interests of a person. This is all about feeling satisfied and familiar in
the surrounding.
Psycho-physiological stress reduction theory (Ulrich, 1983) focusses more on
emotional and physiological effects due to exposure to nature. It suggests that there are some
been distanced from nature and spend about 95 – 99% of their time indoors (Chalquist,
2009).
Kaplan and Kaplan’s (1995) Attention Restoration Theory (ART) has shown that exposing to
natural environment has an impact on cognitive capability. It states that there are four main
components of natural environments that are integral to the experience of attention restoration
in that environment: fascination, being away, extent, and compatibility. According to the
theory, for being away, it helps a person in two different ways to feel like they are away from
their everyday surroundings and environment. Firstly, being physically away, which helps a
person to be in a different location entirely like walking through the gardens or forest.
Secondly, being psychologically away as it helps a person to have different thoughts and
peace of mind, which contributes to a person's cognitive abilities. Morris (2003) also
supported the theory. He added that captivating features such as flowers, vegetables, fruits,
and other natural features in the environment also helps to reduce stress and increase
cognitive capabilities. Secondly, the extent means the natural surrounding have an "extent,"
which helps to create an illusion of an entirely new world that one can be in and be able to
rest. Fascination, however, means that the natural environment could captivate a person's
attention effortlessly, and this allows the person to rest while being immersed in the
surrounding. Clayton (2007) supported this by further stating that natural surrounding
provides an optimal level of sensory stimulation that is neither dull nor overpowering, which
helps with reducing stress. Lastly, compatibility means the ability of the natural environment
to meet the desires and interests of a person. This is all about feeling satisfied and familiar in
the surrounding.
Psycho-physiological stress reduction theory (Ulrich, 1983) focusses more on
emotional and physiological effects due to exposure to nature. It suggests that there are some
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