園藝活動對高壓力族群之紓壓效益

Abstract

現代人的生活壓力普遍增加，近年發展出不同的策略以調適壓力。園藝活動廣泛運用於自然療法，且具有多元化的特性，可依據不同對象的需求進行調整，因此具有運用於身心疾病治療與預防的潛力；園藝活動紓壓效益受活動類型、活動材料、個人偏好等因素影響，故本研究欲探討不同園藝活動類型，以及個體精油、品茗偏好對紓壓效益之影響，以供相關療育活動使用之參考。本研究使用情緒自評量表(depression, anxiety, and stress scale, DASS-21) 與園藝福祉效益量表，結合心律變異數 (heart rate variability, HRV) 及腦波 (brain wave)的量測與分析，評估高齡長者與青年族群於活動所獲得之效益，同時藉由喜好度問卷，了解受試者對精油與茶葉種類之偏好。 研究一探討不同類型園藝活動對臺灣高齡長者之療育效益。研究於臺灣農村社區進行綠場域 (盆栽種植)、綠飲食 (愛玉與豆製品品嘗)、綠療育 (滾石葉拓) 與綠陪伴 (懷舊零食) 四種類型之園藝活動，並以問卷量表與生理數據進行分析，以評估高齡長者於活動中所獲得之效益。結果顯示，參與綠飲食活動可提升放鬆程度、降低心跳速率與 LF/HF (ratio of low frequency over high frequency)，最具紓壓效益，參與綠陪伴活動可提升 SDNN (Standard deviation of NN intervals)、low β、成就感，最具有提升活力之潛力；整體而言，對於活動流程規劃，推薦規劃手作流程簡易、良好的社交互動、講課與體驗交互進行之課程安排，以提升長者活動之效益。 研究二探討不同精油種類與精油偏好對青年族群紓壓效益之影響。本研究邀請大學部在學學生參與精油體驗活動，以問卷量表與生理數據進行分析，並於課後填寫喜好度問卷，以探討參與者偏好對活動效益之影響。研究結果顯示，參與此活動可紓緩負面情緒，並促進心情放鬆，在偏好的部分，受試者較為偏好甜橙與薰衣草，而生理數據部分，五種精油皆可提升SDNN 值，並降低心率，其中迷迭香精油可降低受試者nLF、LF/HF 等數值，並提升nHF 值，最具有紓壓效益，針對具負面情緒困擾的受試者，以甜橙最具有紓壓效益，此外，調查顯示個人精油偏好與紓壓效果不完全相關，故相較於個人偏好，精油體驗依自身狀況選擇合適精油種類，可達到較好之紓壓效果。 研究三探討不同茶葉種類與品茗偏好對青年族群之紓壓效益，研究邀請青年族群參與品茗體驗課程，並以三峽碧螺春、文山包種茶、凍頂烏龍、東方美人茶、紅玉紅茶為體驗項目，以問卷量表與生理數據進行分析，並於課後填寫喜好度問卷，以探討參與者偏好對活動效益之影響。結果顯示，參與活動可紓緩憂鬱與壓力感受，並促進社交互動與心情放鬆，針對具情緒困擾者，活動亦可紓緩焦慮感受，並提升成就感，在生理數據部分，飲用紅玉紅茶可降低心率、提升SDNN 值，腦波部分也可提升high α 與low β 的頻率，最具有紓壓效益，此外，調查顯示個人品茗偏好與紓壓效果不完全相關，相較於個人偏好，品茗體驗依自身狀況選擇合適茶品種類，可達到較好之紓壓效果。

The increasing prevalence of stress in modern life has led to the development of various coping strategies. Horticultural activities, widely employed in natural therapies, possess versatile characteristics and can be tailored to individual needs, demonstrating potential for the treatment and prevention of physical and mental health issues. The stressrelief benefits of these activities are influenced by factors such as activity type, materials, and personal preferences. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of different horticultural activity types, as well as individual preferences for essential oils and tea, on stress reduction, providing a reference for related therapeutic interventions. This study employes the Depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21) and the Horticultural Wellbeing Benefits Scale, combined with heart rate variability (HRV) and brain wave measurements and analyses, to assess the benefits obtained by elderly and young adults during the activities. A preference questionnaire was also used to understand the participants' preferences for essential oils and types of tea. Study 1 investigates the therapeutic benefits of different types of horticultural activities for elderly people in rural Taiwan. The study involves four types of horticultural activities: Green Field (potted planting), Green Diet (Ai-Yu jelly and soy products tasting), Green Therapy (leaf printing), and Green Companionship (nostalgic snacks). Using questionnaires and physiological data analysis, the study evaluates the benefits obtained by elderly participants during the activities. Results show that participating in the Green Diet activity enhances relaxation, reduces heart rate and LF/HF (ratio of low frequency to high frequency), providing the most significant stress-relief benefits. Participation in Green Companionship activities increases SDNN (Standard deviation of NN intervals), low β, and a sense of achievement, offering the potential to enhance vitality. Overall, for activity planning, it is recommended to design hands-on activities that are simple and easy to follow, foster positive social interactions, and integrate lectures with experiential sessions. This approach enhances the effectiveness of activities for older adults. Study 2 explores the impact of different types of essential oils and preferences on the stress-relief benefits for young adults. This study invited university students to participate in an essential oil experience activity. Using questionnaires and physiological data analysis, participants' preferences and activity benefits were examined. Results show that participating in this activity alleviates negative emotions and promotes relaxation. Participants showed the highest preference for sweet orange and lavender. In terms of physiological data, all five essential oils increased SDNN values and reduced heart rates, with rosemary oil showing the most significant stress-relief benefits by lowering nLF and LF/HF values and increasing nHF values. For participants experiencing negative emotional distress, sweet orange essential oil has been shown to have the most stressrelieving benefits. Additionally, research indicates that personal preference for essential oils is not entirely correlated with their stress-relieving effects. Therefore, rather than relying solely on personal preferences, selecting the appropriate type of essential oil based on individual conditions may result in better stress relief. Study 3 investigates the stress-relief benefits of different types of tea for young adults. The study invited young adults to participate in a tea-tasting experience, featuring Sanxia Biluochun, Wenshan Baozhong, Dongding Oolong, Oriental Beauty, and Sun Moon Lake Black Tea. Using questionnaires and physiological data analysis, participants' preferences and activity benefits were examined. Results show that participating in the activity alleviates feelings of depression and stress, promotes social interaction, and enhances relaxation. For individuals with emotional distress, activities can also help alleviate feelings of anxiety and enhance their sense of accomplishment. In terms of physiological data, drinking Ruby Red Tea reduced heart rate, increased SDNN values and enhanced high α and low β brain wave frequencies, providing the most significant stress-relief benefits. The findings suggest that personal tea preferences have a low correlation with stress-relief effectiveness. It is recommended that tea-tasting experiences should be tailored to individual needs to achieve stress-relief benefits.