Effects of plants on mental health and well-being
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Agriscience
Minor
Psychology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Esther Malm, PhD
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
The goal of this study is to examine the effects of horticultural stimulus on mental health. This study is a follow-up on previous studies done for both classes and for independent study here at Murray State University in both Agricultural Science and Psychology departments. Existing research suggests that exposure to live plants is positively associated with psychological well-being compared to non-plants options such as an empty pot, pictures of plants or fake plants. Studies have used both psychological measures and physiological readings (e.g. heart rate and blood pressure) and experimental designs with varied interventions. In this study, using a repeated measures design, the researcher seeks to examine the effects green plants have on mental health and certain emotional levels among adults. Specifically, the researcher is evaluating the effect of green plants on stress levels by measuring participants' stress levels before and after a stress-inducing task and after the intervention. The intervention has three conditions associated with the type of encounter participants have with plants (visual stimulation of plants or physical interaction vs. control). Also participants’ heart rate and blood pressure are measured at three time points though out the study. It is expected that physical interaction with plants (transplanting) will have greater impact on lowering stress levels compared to visual encounter with plants and control group. The study has been IRB approved and data is currently being collected. Guided by Gpower v3.2, the minimum sample size required for the study was 102 across the three conditions to detect a large effect size. Preliminary findings will be shared.
Fall Scholars Week 2025
Psychology: Projects In-Progress
Effects of plants on mental health and well-being
The goal of this study is to examine the effects of horticultural stimulus on mental health. This study is a follow-up on previous studies done for both classes and for independent study here at Murray State University in both Agricultural Science and Psychology departments. Existing research suggests that exposure to live plants is positively associated with psychological well-being compared to non-plants options such as an empty pot, pictures of plants or fake plants. Studies have used both psychological measures and physiological readings (e.g. heart rate and blood pressure) and experimental designs with varied interventions. In this study, using a repeated measures design, the researcher seeks to examine the effects green plants have on mental health and certain emotional levels among adults. Specifically, the researcher is evaluating the effect of green plants on stress levels by measuring participants' stress levels before and after a stress-inducing task and after the intervention. The intervention has three conditions associated with the type of encounter participants have with plants (visual stimulation of plants or physical interaction vs. control). Also participants’ heart rate and blood pressure are measured at three time points though out the study. It is expected that physical interaction with plants (transplanting) will have greater impact on lowering stress levels compared to visual encounter with plants and control group. The study has been IRB approved and data is currently being collected. Guided by Gpower v3.2, the minimum sample size required for the study was 102 across the three conditions to detect a large effect size. Preliminary findings will be shared.