Thesis
Developing guidelines for designing healing gardens for persons with PTSD
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2013
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/103768
Abstract
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is becoming more prevalent in military personnel, and veterans. The effects of war have taken its toll on them, and as a result of their sacrifice, many experience PTSD, which makes it difficult for them to reintegrate into society. Research has shown that natural and built environments can have an effect on healing, physical and psychological. It has been the purpose of this thesis, to develop guidelines for designing healing gardens for persons with PTSD. This paper covers the PTSD in general; including what causes it, what its symptoms are, and what treatments are currently being used. Of the current treatments discussed, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy (EMDR) are found to be the most effective. The healing benefits of the natural and built environments, including Roger Ulrich’s work on healing time in hospitals based on a view from the window, and Appleton’s Prospect Refuge Theory. The Gardening Leave Project, Archi’s Acres, Veteran’s Farm, and Kenneth Helphand’s research on Defiant Gardens, are used as case studies, in which participants have felt relief from PTSD symptoms. In addition, focused interviews were conducted with psychiatric professionals, who have experience working with PTSD Patients. Based on the previously mentioned research, case studies, and focused interviews, the following guidelines for designing healing gardens for PTSD are proposed: the garden should create a sense of safety, the garden should provide opportunities for physical activity, the garden should incorporate calming/natural elements, and the garden should have multiple spaces if possible, or a single space that can be easily customizable. Each guideline is discussed in detail, and recommendations are given, on how practitioners can incorporate these same principles into an interior setting, if budget or space does not permit a garden space. Gardening, and healing gardens, show promise for alleviating PTSD. More research needs to be done in this area, in order to gain more insight into the effectiveness of utilizing healing gardens when treating PTSD.
Metrics
Details
- Title
- Developing guidelines for designing healing gardens for persons with PTSD
- Creators
- Daniel Baum
- Contributors
- Kenneth A. Struckmeyer (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Design and Construction, School of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525181301842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis