The Effect of Gardening Activities Applied to Older People in a Nursing Home on Psychological Wellness and Depression: A Single‐Blind Randomized Controlled Study

OBJECTIVE: This research defines the effect of gardening activities applied to older people in nursing homes on psychological well-being and depression. DESIGN: This research was applied as randomized controlled single-blind experimental study, which was conducted between January 2022 and December 2022. SAMPLE: The population of this study included older person in a Nursing Home in Türkiye, and the sample consisted of 46 older people in this nursing home. MEASUREMENTS: In this study, Older Person Information Form, Standardized Mini Mental Test, Geriatric Depression Scale, Psychological Well-Being Scale, and Satisfaction Assessment Form were used. INTERVENTION: Gardening activity was applied to the experimental group's older people once a week for three months. RESULTS: In the study, the average age of the older individuals was 74.26 ± 9.65 in the experimental group and 77.04 ± 7.57 in the control group. The pre- and post-test difference values of the "PERMA Scale" of the older person were significant, with an effect size of 3.391, and a high effect level was found (p < 0.001). A significant difference between the pre-test and post-test difference median values of the "Geriatric Depression Scale" of the older person in experimental and control groups with an effect size of 2.652, a high effect level was found (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Gardening activities applied to older people in the experimental group increased psychological well-being and decreased depression. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05256680.