The Effects of the Environment on Positive and Negative Emotions

Kryzsko Commons Ballroom

Faculty Mentor: Amanda Brouwer Introduction: Houseplants have been recently trending, specifically in the young adult population. This increase in plant buying began close to when the lockdown from COVID-19 began. Some suggest plants became a way to bring the outdoors inside while others explain plants have healing properties in regard to physical and mental health. There are minimal studies involving the benefits to mental health from plants. Therefore, the aim of this study was to focus on the mental healing properties houseplants may have among young adults. Specifically, it was hypothesized that plants will reduce stress and negative emotions as well as increase positive emotions. Methods: Young adults (estimated N=50) are randomized to one of two groups, a room with plants placed on the table and floor, or a room with no plants. Participants then complete a stress task and are asked to report on their positive and negative emotions. Data will be analyzed using repeated measures t-tests and independent t-tests to determine differences in positive emotion, negative emotion, and stress. 36 Results: Data collection is ongoing, but it is expected that those around plants will have more positive emotions and fewer negative emotions than the control group. Furthermore, the stress ratings will be lower in the plant group when compared to the control. Discussion: Anticipated results may indicate that houseplants reduce negative emotions and stress while also increasing positive emotions. Furthermore, if the hypotheses are supported, those working with young adults could consider implementing houseplants as a possible mental health treatment to help with overall happiness and reducing stress.