Effects of Greenspace Exposure on Stress and Mood of College Students
Abstract
Stress, anxiety, and depression are growing issues among college students. Recent research suggests that stress may be a factor causing these mental health conditions, and that if this stress were to be treated, depression and anxiety may be positively affected. Greenspace is one way to treat this stress. Although a number of studies conclude that greenspace reduces stress and improves mood, there is little to no specificity as to what type of greenery accomplishes this task best. It is hypothesized that outdoor exposure to greenspace reduces stress and improves mood the most out of four methods tested in this experiment. The 80 participants who took part in this study were given a non-invasive blood pressure test and a BRUMS-32 mood assessment. They were then exposed to the type of greenspace to which they had randomly been assigned. The four groups tested were a poster, live, potted plants, a green, outdoor area, and a control with no greenery or vegetation. After 10 minute exposure, participants took the blood pressure test and mood assessment again. Results are being analyzed and will be available before January 2019. It is expected that all groups with exposure to green space will have some improvement in stress levels and mood. However, it is expected that outdoor exposure will have the highest level of improvement. The results of this study have implications in the medical field, offices, and schools, as well as how the administration of such treat the stress of their patients, workers, and students respectively.
Effects of Greenspace Exposure on Stress and Mood of College Students
Founders Hall 251 A
Stress, anxiety, and depression are growing issues among college students. Recent research suggests that stress may be a factor causing these mental health conditions, and that if this stress were to be treated, depression and anxiety may be positively affected. Greenspace is one way to treat this stress. Although a number of studies conclude that greenspace reduces stress and improves mood, there is little to no specificity as to what type of greenery accomplishes this task best. It is hypothesized that outdoor exposure to greenspace reduces stress and improves mood the most out of four methods tested in this experiment. The 80 participants who took part in this study were given a non-invasive blood pressure test and a BRUMS-32 mood assessment. They were then exposed to the type of greenspace to which they had randomly been assigned. The four groups tested were a poster, live, potted plants, a green, outdoor area, and a control with no greenery or vegetation. After 10 minute exposure, participants took the blood pressure test and mood assessment again. Results are being analyzed and will be available before January 2019. It is expected that all groups with exposure to green space will have some improvement in stress levels and mood. However, it is expected that outdoor exposure will have the highest level of improvement. The results of this study have implications in the medical field, offices, and schools, as well as how the administration of such treat the stress of their patients, workers, and students respectively.
