Summary
The prevalence of mental health problems in urban areas has led to concerns around mental well-being. To address this, "green prescription" or keeping houseplants in the home is a promising approach. A recent study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health investigated the psychological effects of keeping houseplants in the home among Chinese adults living in urban areas. The study found that there is a positive relationship between houseplant care behavior and mental well-being and mindfulness. The findings suggest that spending more hours caring for plants, having a greater number of indoor plants, and conducting houseplant care for a longer period are all associated with higher levels of mental well-being and greater mindfulness. Additionally, individuals who have a greater degree of nature relatedness also reported higher levels of mental well-being and mindfulness.
Therapeutic horticulture is an established practice that has been used to improve the mental health and well-being of individuals in hospitals, care homes, and community settings. The findings of this study suggest that houseplant care behavior can be considered a form of therapeutic horticulture. Engaging in houseplant care behavior can provide individuals with a sense of purpose, achievement, and responsibility, which can contribute to greater levels of mental well-being and mindfulness.
The implications of this study are important for the development of low-cost and accessible interventions to improve mental health and well-being in urban areas. Incorporating green spaces, both indoor and outdoor, into the design of living spaces can be an effective way to promote mental well-being and mindfulness. By providing access to nature, individuals can benefit from the restorative effects of nature, which can reduce stress and improve mental health.
In conclusion, the study provides evidence supporting the use of houseplants as a means of improving mental well-being and mindfulness among urban populations. The study suggests that houseplant care behavior could be incorporated into therapeutic horticulture programs to further enhance their mental health benefits. While the study has limitations, it makes an important contribution to the literature on the psychological benefits of nature exposure. Overall, the study highlights the importance of finding innovative and low-cost ways to improve mental health and well-being in urban areas. The use of houseplants as a therapeutic tool offers a promising approach to achieving this goal, and future research should continue to investigate the potential benefits of this intervention.
I. Introduction
The modern world has brought about many changes, and urbanization is one of them. While it has brought many benefits, it has also given rise to concerns around mental health, with an increasing prevalence of mental health problems. In this context, "green prescription" or keeping houseplants in the home, is a promising approach to improving mental well-being. Houseplants are a low-cost and self-guided way to bring nature into urban living spaces. A recent study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health investigated the psychological effects of keeping houseplants in the home and how it relates to mental well-being and mindfulness among Chinese adults living in urban areas.
II. Materials and Methods
The study was conducted using an online survey questionnaire distributed through various social media platforms, including WeChat and Weibo. A total of roughly 400 participants completed the survey. The survey included validated scales to measure mental well-being, mindfulness, and nature relatedness, as well as questions about participants' demographic information.
III. Results
The study found that 57% of participants self-reported as houseplant carers, with an average of 5.12 houseplants owned and 1.28 hours spent taking care of them. Moreover, these houseplant owners had kept their plants for an average of 4.17 years. Multiple regression analyses showed that spending more hours caring for plants, having a greater number of indoor plants, and conducting houseplant care for a longer period were all associated with higher levels of mental well-being and greater mindfulness. Additionally, a greater degree of nature relatedness was linked to higher levels of mental well-being and mindfulness.
The findings of the study suggest that there is a positive relationship between houseplant care behavior and mental well-being and mindfulness. In particular, the study highlights the importance of spending time caring for plants, having a greater number of indoor plants, and conducting houseplant care for a longer period. Additionally, individuals who have a greater degree of nature relatedness also reported higher levels of mental well-being and mindfulness.
IV. Implications
The findings of the study have important implications for the use of therapeutic horticulture as a means to improve mental well-being and mindfulness among urban populations in China. With a significant percentage of the population living in apartments without access to outdoor green spaces, finding low-cost and self-guided ways to alleviate psychological symptoms has become a pressing concern. By exploring the link between houseplants and mental health, this study provides valuable insights into how individuals can improve their mental health and well-being through simple, accessible activities.
Therapeutic horticulture is an established practice that has been used to improve the mental health and well-being of individuals in hospitals, care homes, and community settings. It involves engaging in gardening or plant-related activities to promote physical, emotional, and social well-being. The findings of this study suggest that houseplant care behavior can be considered a form of therapeutic horticulture. Engaging in houseplant care behavior can provide individuals with a sense of purpose, achievement, and responsibility, which can contribute to greater levels of mental well-being and mindfulness.
In addition to the implications for therapeutic horticulture, the findings of this study also have broader implications for the design of urban living spaces. As more and more people live in urban areas, it is essential to design living spaces that promote mental health and well-being. Incorporating green spaces, both indoor and outdoor, into the design of living spaces can be an effective way to promote mental well-being and mindfulness. By providing access to nature, individuals can benefit from the restorative effects of nature, which can reduce stress and improve mental health.
V. Conclusion
In conclusion, the study provides evidence supporting the use of houseplants as a means of improving mental well-being and mindfulness among urban populations in China. The findings suggest that houseplant care behavior is positively associated with greater levels of mental well-being and mindfulness. This is consistent with previous research that has demonstrated the benefits of exposure to nature and green spaces for mental health.
The study's results have important implications for the development of low-cost and accessible interventions to improve mental health and well-being in urban areas. In particular, the study suggests that houseplant care behavior could be incorporated into therapeutic horticulture programs. Therapeutic horticulture is an evidence-based intervention that uses gardening activities to promote physical and psychological health. The findings of this study suggest that including houseplant care activities in therapeutic horticulture programs could further enhance their mental health benefits.
It is worth noting that the study has some limitations. Firstly, the study relied on self-reported data, which is subject to bias and may not accurately reflect participants' actual behavior. Secondly, the study only included Chinese adults living in urban areas, and the findings may not be generalizable to other populations or settings. Future research should investigate the psychological effects of houseplants in different cultural contexts and among diverse populations.
Despite these limitations, the study makes an important contribution to the literature on the psychological benefits of nature exposure. The study provides evidence supporting the use of houseplants as a simple and accessible means of improving mental well-being and mindfulness among urban populations. By promoting houseplant care behavior, individuals can engage in a low-cost and self-guided activity that has the potential to improve their mental health and well-being.
Overall, the study highlights the importance of finding innovative and low-cost ways to improve mental health and well-being in urban areas. The use of houseplants as a therapeutic tool offers a promising approach to achieving this goal, and future research should continue to investigate the potential benefits of this intervention.
Citation:
Ma J. Interaction with Nature Indoor: Psychological Impacts of Houseplants Care Behavior on Mental Well-Being and Mindfulness in Chinese Adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022; 19(23):15810. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192315810