Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
The link between greenery in schools and cognitive performance is underexplored, even with evidence of its benefits in other settings. Research indicates that adding green plants to an office can improve mood and lower stress (Bergefurts et al., 2021). This study explored the factors behind the psychological benefits of indoor plants on executive function in college students. The study proposed two competing hypotheses based on Attention Restoration Theory (ART) and Enrichment Theory. The study is a 2x2 between-subjects factorial design, in which participants were exposed to environments with or without plants and with or without organizational enrichment. Participants were undergraduate and graduate students 18 years or older. Executive function was measured using the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART), while mood was measured using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). To measure Enrichment, the study used a modified Nieuwenhuis questionnaire. Separate Repeated Measures ANOVAs were used to analyze accuracy and reaction time (RT) differences from the SART across conditions and time. There was no significant main effect of time, condition, or time by condition interaction. The same results were found for Reaction Time. Results show no significant effect of plant presence or workspace organization on executive function as measured by SART task performance. Regarding enrichment, participants reported perceived levels of Fatigue, Concentration Problems, Decreased Motivation, and Physical Activity after tasks 1 and 2. A One-Way ANOVA revealed no differences at T1 for all four indicators. Similar results were found at T2, except that there was a significant effect of condition on motivation at T2.
Faculty Mentor
Dr. A.J. Heritage
Recommended Citation
Bergefurts, L., Weijs-Perrée, M., Appel-Meulenbroek, R., & Arentze, T. (2021, October 29). The physical office workplace as a resource for mental health – A systematic scoping review. Building and Environment. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132321009008#bib9
Included in
Exploring the Effects of Indoor Plants on Executive Function
The link between greenery in schools and cognitive performance is underexplored, even with evidence of its benefits in other settings. Research indicates that adding green plants to an office can improve mood and lower stress (Bergefurts et al., 2021). This study explored the factors behind the psychological benefits of indoor plants on executive function in college students. The study proposed two competing hypotheses based on Attention Restoration Theory (ART) and Enrichment Theory. The study is a 2x2 between-subjects factorial design, in which participants were exposed to environments with or without plants and with or without organizational enrichment. Participants were undergraduate and graduate students 18 years or older. Executive function was measured using the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART), while mood was measured using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). To measure Enrichment, the study used a modified Nieuwenhuis questionnaire. Separate Repeated Measures ANOVAs were used to analyze accuracy and reaction time (RT) differences from the SART across conditions and time. There was no significant main effect of time, condition, or time by condition interaction. The same results were found for Reaction Time. Results show no significant effect of plant presence or workspace organization on executive function as measured by SART task performance. Regarding enrichment, participants reported perceived levels of Fatigue, Concentration Problems, Decreased Motivation, and Physical Activity after tasks 1 and 2. A One-Way ANOVA revealed no differences at T1 for all four indicators. Similar results were found at T2, except that there was a significant effect of condition on motivation at T2.