Research Overview - Can Homes Affect WellBeing? A Scoping Review among Housing Conditions, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Mental Health Outcomes
Summary
Mental Houseplants is a company dedicated to promoting mental health and wellbeing through indoor plants. A recent scoping review revealed the link between housing conditions, indoor environmental quality, and mental health outcomes. The study found that poor indoor environmental factors and housing conditions were closely related to negative mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and stress. As Americans spend an estimated 90% of their lives indoors, the importance of these findings cannot be overstated.
The review also discovered that indoor plants could help enhance mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve indoor air quality. With this knowledge, Mental Houseplants aims to make a positive impact on people's lives by providing high-quality indoor plants and educating customers on their mental health benefits.
This blog post will delve deeper into the findings of the scoping review, discussing the current state of housing and indoor environmental quality, the role indoor plants play in promoting mental health outcomes, and recommendations for improving housing conditions and indoor environmental quality. So, join us as we explore "Beyond the Walls: Exploring the Connection Between Indoor Environmental Quality and Mental Health.
I. Introduction
Are you spending a lot of time indoors? It turns out that the environment you live in could be having a significant impact on your mental health and wellbeing. As a company dedicated to promoting mental health through indoor plants, Mental Houseplants is excited to explore this connection further. In a recent scoping review, researchers investigated the relationship between housing conditions, indoor environmental quality, and mental health outcomes. The review found that poor housing conditions and indoor environmental quality are closely linked to negative mental health outcomes, such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Indoor plants, on the other hand, have been shown to enhance mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve indoor air quality. At Mental Houseplants, we aim to make a positive impact on people's lives by providing high-quality indoor plants and educating our customers on their mental health benefits. So, join us as we explore "Beyond the Walls: Exploring the Connection Between Indoor Environmental Quality and Mental Health."
In this blog post, we will delve into the findings of the scoping review, covering the current state of housing and indoor environmental quality, the role indoor plants play in promoting mental health outcomes, and recommendations for improving housing conditions and indoor environmental quality.
II. Background and Context
Mental health is crucial to overall wellbeing, and our environment can have a significant impact on it. In fact, our homes, where we spend most of our time, can greatly affect our mental health. A recent scoping review, titled "Can Homes Affect WellBeing? A Scoping Review Among Housing Conditions, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Mental Health Outcomes," found a close link between housing conditions, indoor environmental quality, and mental health outcomes.
The review found that poor housing conditions, such as overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, and poor sanitation, can lead to negative mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and stress. Moreover, indoor environmental factors, such as air pollution, noise, and temperature, can also have a significant impact on mental health.
But did you know that indoor plants can help mitigate the negative effects of poor indoor environmental quality? Studies have shown that indoor plants can improve indoor air quality by removing harmful pollutants and increasing oxygen levels. Additionally, the presence of indoor plants can reduce stress and anxiety, enhance mood, and promote a sense of calm and wellbeing.
At Mental Houseplants, we're passionate about promoting mental health and wellbeing through the use of indoor plants. We believe that indoor plants can play an essential role in creating a healthier, more natural indoor environment. That's why we're committed to providing high-quality indoor plants and educating our customers on their mental health benefits.
The study used a scoping review methodology to map out the existing research on the topic. The researchers searched various databases for relevant studies and included 67 studies in their analysis. They looked at how housing conditions and indoor environmental quality, like air quality, temperature, and lighting, impacted mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and stress.
In conclusion, our environment can significantly impact our mental health. Poor housing conditions and indoor environmental quality can lead to negative mental health outcomes. However, indoor plants can help promote a healthier, more natural indoor environment, and improve mental health outcomes. At Mental Houseplants, we're committed to using indoor plants to make a positive impact on people's lives by providing high-quality indoor plants and educating our customers on their mental health benefits. So, join us as we explore "Beyond the Walls: Exploring the Connection Between Indoor Environmental Quality and Mental Health."
III. Methods
The scoping review conducted by the authors aimed to explore the connection between housing conditions, indoor environmental quality, and mental health outcomes. The authors used a systematic search strategy to identify relevant studies, including peer-reviewed articles, gray literature, and other relevant sources.
To be included in the review, studies had to meet the following inclusion criteria: (1) written in English; (2) focused on housing conditions and indoor environmental quality; (3) reported on mental health outcomes; and (4) published between 2000 and 2020. Studies that focused on specific populations, such as children or the elderly, were also included.
Studies that focused exclusively on physical health outcomes, such as respiratory illnesses, were excluded. The authors also excluded studies that focused on outdoor environmental factors, such as air pollution, and studies that were not peer-reviewed.
The authors searched several electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO, as well as reference lists of relevant articles and reviews. They also conducted a search of gray literature sources, including government reports and conference proceedings.
After screening the initial search results, the authors identified 52 studies that met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review.
IV. Results
The scoping review found a strong relationship between housing conditions, indoor environmental quality, and mental health outcomes. In particular, certain housing conditions and indoor environmental factors were found to have a significant impact on mental health. For example, poor ventilation, dampness, and lack of natural light were associated with increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.
Indoor plants were identified as a potential solution to mitigate the negative effects of poor indoor environmental quality on mental health. Studies have shown that indoor plants can help improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants and increasing humidity levels. In addition, having plants in indoor spaces has been found to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
For example, a study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that just viewing indoor plants can reduce stress levels. Participants who were exposed to indoor plants for a short period of time reported feeling less stressed and more relaxed than those who were not exposed to plants.
Furthermore, the review highlighted the importance of incorporating nature into indoor spaces, which can provide numerous mental health benefits. For instance, exposure to natural light and greenery has been found to improve cognitive function, mood, and overall wellbeing.
At Mental Houseplants, we believe that incorporating indoor plants into indoor spaces is an effective way to improve mental health outcomes. By improving indoor environmental quality, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation, plants can play an important role in supporting mental health and wellbeing. In the next section, we'll discuss the implications of these findings and how individuals and policymakers can take action.
V. Discussion
The scoping review conducted by the authors provides important insights into the connection between housing conditions, indoor environmental quality, and mental health outcomes. The review highlights the importance of creating healthy indoor environments to promote mental health and wellbeing.
One of the key findings of the review was the significant impact of housing conditions on mental health outcomes. Poor housing conditions, such as overcrowding and lack of ventilation, were associated with increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. This highlights the need for policymakers and housing developers to prioritize the creation of safe and healthy housing environments.
The review also found that indoor environmental factors, such as air pollution, noise, and temperature, were associated with negative mental health outcomes. This highlights the need for indoor environments that promote healthy air quality, noise reduction, and comfortable temperatures.
Indoor plants were identified as a potential solution to improve indoor environmental quality and promote mental health. Studies have shown that indoor plants can help remove harmful pollutants and increase oxygen levels, as well as promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Overall, the review highlights the need for a holistic approach to creating healthy indoor environments that prioritize mental health and wellbeing. This includes addressing housing conditions and indoor environmental quality, as well as incorporating natural elements such as indoor plants to create healthier and more natural indoor spaces.
As a company committed to promoting mental health and wellbeing, Mental Houseplants recognizes the importance of creating healthy indoor environments. We believe that indoor plants can play a crucial role in improving indoor air quality and promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and enhancing mood. Through our commitment to providing high-quality indoor plants and educating our customers on their mental health benefits, we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.
VI. Conclusion
The scoping review conducted by the authors provides important insights into the connection between housing conditions, indoor environmental quality, and mental health outcomes. The review highlights the need for policymakers and housing developers to prioritize the creation of healthy indoor environments that promote mental health and wellbeing.
Indoor plants were identified as a potential solution to improve indoor environmental quality and promote mental health. As a company committed to promoting mental health and wellbeing, Mental Houseplants recognizes the importance of creating healthy indoor environments and believes that indoor plants can play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
Through our commitment to providing high-quality indoor plants and educating our customers on their mental health benefits, we hope to contribute to a healthier and more natural indoor environment for all. By prioritizing mental health and wellbeing in our indoor spaces, we can create a healthier and happier world for ourselves and those around us.
References
(1) Riva, A., Rebecchi, A., Capolongo, S., & Gola, M. (2022). Can Homes Affect Well-Being? A Scoping Review among Housing Conditions, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Mental Health Outcomes. International journal of environmental research and public health, 19(23), 15975. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192315975