UNCOVERING KEY THEMES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS IN THERAPEUTIC GARDEN RESEARCH: A SCIENTOMETRIC APPROACH
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37268/mjphm/vol.25/no.1/art.2759Keywords:
Garden-based health interventions, Horticultural therapy, Environmental psychology, Science mapping; Interdisciplinary researchAbstract
Therapeutic gardens have gained substantial recognition for their role in promoting mental, emotional, and physical rehabilitation. This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric and scientometric analysis of therapeutic garden research, spanning from 1971 to 2024. Utilizing data from the Web of Science (WoS) database, this analysis aims to elucidate publication trends, key themes, and influential studies within this interdisciplinary field. Methodologically, the study integrates descriptive analysis and scientometric techniques, including dual-map overlay and document co-citation analysis (DCA). These methods visualize the relationships between citing and cited journals and identify significant clusters and thematic areas in the research landscape. The analysis revealed a marked increase in research output post-2010, reflecting growing academic interest. Eleven distinct co-citation clusters were identified, highlighting central topics such as controlled trials, pilot studies, and specific therapeutic interventions. Key influential publications within these clusters were identified, demonstrating their substantial impact on the field. Future research avenues include exploring the integration of therapeutic garden design with emerging technologies, conducting longitudinal studies to assess long-term benefits, investigating socio-economic factors influencing implementation, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations to deepen the understanding of therapeutic gardens' multifaceted benefits. This study offers valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers aiming to enhance the design and implementation of therapeutic gardens to promote health and well-being.
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