Let's Grow: Investigating the Relationship Between Houseplants and Mental Health in College Students
Date of Award
Spring 2025
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Department/Major
Psychology
Additional Department
Sociology
First Advisor
Dr. Louisa Roberts
Second Advisor
Dr. Isaiah F. A. Cohen
Third Advisor
Melissa Berninger
Keywords
houseplants, mental health, college students, ecotherapy
Subject Categories
Alternative and Complementary Medicine | Mental and Social Health | Psychiatry and Psychology | Psychology | Sociology
Abstract
This literature review explores the potential mental health benefits of houseplants for college students, a population increasingly affected by anxiety and depression. With traditional mental health services strained and often inaccessible, simple and low-cost alternatives are urgently needed. This review examines whether the presence and interaction with houseplants can improve psychological well-being, specifically symptoms of anxiety and depression. Drawing from ten peer-reviewed studies, this review finds a generally positive association between houseplants and mental health, though results vary. Notably, the duration of exposure appears to have little effect, while setting and autonomy in plant interaction are more influential. Interactions in personalized residential settings tend to yield better outcomes than those in structured settings. However, methodological inconsistencies, small sample sizes, and potential p-hacking raise concerns about replicability and generalizability. This review highlights key gaps in the research, including a lack of clinical populations and long-term studies, and calls for more rigorous, transparent research. If substantiated, incorporating houseplants into campus environments may represent a practical and inclusive strategy to support student mental health and resilience.
Recommended Citation
Adler, Makia G., "Let's Grow: Investigating the Relationship Between Houseplants and Mental Health in College Students" (2025). Honors Thesis. 397.
https://red.library.usd.edu/honors-thesis/397
Included in
Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons, Mental and Social Health Commons, Psychiatry and Psychology Commons, Psychology Commons, Sociology Commons