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Abstract

MIN-NAN WEN

This research is aimed at exploring the relevance between systematic Horticultural
Therapy courses and inmates??physical and mental health, and promoting the benefit of their
life adaptability in correctional institution and social interaction via Horticultural Therapy.

This study adopts experimental methods and qualitative interview. Through the
Horticultural Therapy, we could understand how it affects inmates??mental health and the
benefit of Horticultural Therapy, and also detect the changing difference in the meantime.
The researcher used Horticultural Therapy -related questionnaire as instrument. All the
interviewees were selected from prisoners in Sindian Drug Abuser Treatment Center as
sample. They were separated into 4 shifts and were asked to complete the questionnaires
(including pretest and protest) within 2 months. Totally, 86 effective questionnaires were
returned.

The result of the research is that Horticultural Therapy indeed brings comfort to
inmates??physical and mental health. And it also calms inmates??emotion. Being Identified
with the courses helps them be relaxed and be relieved mentally. Obviously, the result
is consistent with the positive correlation between ?ife adaptability in correctional
institutions??and ?he benefit of Horticultural Therapy?? When inmates first went into jail,
they felt stressful due to the imprisonment effect. Then, they lost balance both physically
and psychologically which influenced their life adaptability. However, through taking
Horticultural Therapy, inmates??rebuilt their life value and self- affirmation, improved social
skills and social interaction with others, adjusted emotional control and their physical and
mental recovery. Furthermore, Horticultural Therapy not only promoted their health but
brought inner peace and stability back to themselves.

Keywords: Horticultural Therapy, Drug abused inmates, prison adjustment

Horticultural Therapy and Prison Adaptation for Drug Addicts -A Case from A Northern Prison in Taiwan 101