Therapeutic experiences of community gardens: Putting flow in its place

Pitt, Hannah

Abstract

This paper develops the concept of therapeutic place experiences by considering the role of activity. Research of community gardening finds that particular tasks are therapeutic and exhibit the characteristics of flow, but those who lack influence over their community gardening are less likely to benefit from flow as their sense of control is reduced. The notion of emplaced flow is proposed to locate individual experiences amongst socio-spatial factors which limit self-determinacy and therefore affect wellbeing. Emplacing flow prompts critical reflection on who is excluded from therapeutic place experiences, and whether sites offering momentary escape have an enduring impact on wellbeing. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2014
• Journal: Health and Place
• Print ISSN: 1353-8292
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 27
• Pages: 84-91
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2014.02.006
• Keywords: community garden, therapeutic place, UK, wellbeing, flow
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/818425
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2014.02.006