Analysis of the Psychological and Emotional Effects on Young Children in Grandparent-Grandchild Families Through Landscape and Nature-Friendly Facility Resources -Focusing on Anxiety, Depression and Withdrawal Behavior-

This study analyzed the effects of agro-healing activities utilizing scenic and nature-friendly facility resources on young children's psychological and emotional well-being in grandparent-headed families.Specifically, it examined the impact of these activities on anxiety, depression, and withdrawal behavior.The study was conducted from August to October 2023 with three seven-year-old children attending a daycare center in K Province.The program consisted of seven weekly sessions, each incorporating scenic and nature-friendly facility resources to assess their influence on anxiety, depression, withdrawal behavior, and overall behavioral changes in young children.The results showed that the children's behavior assessment scores (C-TRF and CBCL 1.5-5) improved significantly, with anxiety, depression, and withdrawal behavior scores decreasing from the clinical range to the normal range after participation.Observational records revealed that Ca exhibited reduced anxiety and vigilance while engaging in caregiving activities for a cat and participating in nature-based activities, leading to increased social interaction.Cb demonstrated greater independence through rabbit caregiving play and sensory activities, showing positive changes in social interactions.Additionally, Cc developed confidence through nature-based sensory experiences and creative activities, as well as by actively engaging in social relationships.These findings suggest that agro-healing activities can alleviate difficulties related to anxiety, depression, and withdrawal behavior in young children while fostering social interactions and promoting mental health and social development.Therefore, this study highlights the potential for agro-healing programs to serve as early intervention strategies for addressing internalizing problems in young children, including those from grandparent-headed families.The results emphasize the need to actively implement such programs in childcare centers, welfare institutions, and educational settings.Furthermore, this study provides essential foundational data for future research and program development.