Therapeutic Agriculture-Based Recidivism Prevention Program: Centered on Emotional Wave Theory

This study views recidivism not merely as an individual failure but as a structural issue arising from emotional dysregulation, accumulated anxiety, and social isolation. Grounded in the understanding that recidivism constitutes a collective responsibility to be borne by society as a whole, this research proposes the Elliott’s 5.3-wave Therapeutic Agriculture Program (ETAP) as an effort to make a practical contribution toward fulfilling that responsibility. ETAP applies the Elliott Wave Theory—originally developed to explain cyclical trends in financial markets—to the rhythm of emotional fluctuations. By aligning interventions with specific phases of the emotional wave—progressive (1st, 3rd, 5th) and corrective (2nd, 4th)—the model offers a time-sensitive, structured intervention strategy. Additionally, Hershey’s 34-day emotional cycle theory and Heinrich’s accident accumulation theory are integrated to enable a three-tier response system (Caution-Warning-Critical) when negative emotional experiences exceed 28 accumulations. Peterson’s disease progression curve informs the design of the emotional recovery zone, while Seligman’s positive psychology framework—emphasizing self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism—is incorporated into the latter stages of emotional ascent to promote the restoration of positive affect. A pilot study involving eight individuals with criminal sentencing histories was conducted over three sessions, each lasting three hours. Participants engaged in therapeutic agricultural activities such as emotional journaling, plant care, and compost turning. Pre- and post-intervention assessments using an “Emotion Weather Chart” revealed a reduction in negative affect from an average of 7.6 to 4.3, and a shift in wave position from the 4th to the 2nd phase, indicating short-term efficacy. ETAP is designed as a multidisciplinary model integrating restorative justice and restorative finance within an emotional internalization framework of reflection, introspection, and insight. Therapeutic agriculture serves as a medium to synchronize natural rhythms with emotional cycles, facilitating emotional regulation and self-awareness. Furthermore, by linking the program to rural resettlement and agricultural entrepreneurship, ETAP seeks to support participants’ long-term social and economic reintegration. Through this model, the study aims to offer a scholarly and practice-based contribution to the prevention of recidivism, ultimately paving the way for broader institutional adoption and policy integration within national correctional welfare systems.