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. and Megan St. Peters, PhD
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
This presentation is on the final findings from the study from Fall 2025 "Effects of Plants on Mental Health and Wellbeing". 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, we studied the effects green plants have on mental health and certain emotional levels among young 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 had 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. The study has been IRB approved and data presented is final and complete.
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Psychology: Completed Projects
Mental Health and Well-Being
This presentation is on the final findings from the study from Fall 2025 "Effects of Plants on Mental Health and Wellbeing". 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, we studied the effects green plants have on mental health and certain emotional levels among young 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 had 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. The study has been IRB approved and data presented is final and complete.