Is Therapeutic Horticulture Beneficial for IPV Survivors’ Self-View?

• In Event: Perceptions of Safety, Self-Esteem, and Self-View for Survivors of Domestic Abuse

Abstract

Therapeutic horticulture (TH) programs with vulnerable populations have demonstrated social and psychological benefits, yet the therapeutic potential for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) has been insufficiently researched. Traumatic and abusive experiences of IPV negatively impact victim-survivors’ perceptions of self. Therefore, a potentially important outcome from interventions with survivors would be increases in their self-view, which would be expected to result in improved functioning. We hypothesize that participation in a TH program will increase survivors’ self-view (self-image and self-efficacy) above and beyond standard programming. Residents of a domestic violence shelter (DVS) were recruited for a survey project assessing their experiences during shelter stay. Participants were later approached for possible involvement in the DVS “farm” program, which consisted of 10 hours of horticultural engagement per week for six weeks compensated with a weekly stipend. Those willing and able to participate in the TH intervention became part of the quasi-experimental group and all others were placed in a control group. Pre-test and post-test measures of self-image (i.e., self-esteem, self-acceptance, feelings of inadequacy) and self-efficacy (e.g., resilience, psychological empowerment, physical self-efficacy) are assessed within and between groups. Changes in self-view from TH participation will be discussed as potential elements of DVS programming.

Authors

• Rachel Barczak, University of Kentucky

• Diane R. Follingstad, University of Kentucky

• Claire M. Renzetti, University of Kentucky