Examining Effects of Active Plant Engagement on College Student Well-Being and Performance

• Active Plant Engagement (Behavioral), also known as Hands-on Plant Care and Maintenance: Weekly watering, pruning, and soil checks of assigned plants

Primary outcomes

• Change in Perceived Stress from Baseline to Week 16 [Week 2: Baseline/Time 1 Survey Week 7: Time 2 Survey Week 11: Time 3 Survey Week 16: Time 4 Survey]: The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is a validated, widely used measure of stress with clinical relevance in student populations. A significant reduction in Perceived Stress Scale scores would demonstrate a therapeutic effect of the intervention. Scores range from 0-40. Scores ranging from 0-13 would be considered low stress. Scores ranging from 14-26 would be considered moderate stress. Scores ranging from 27-40 would be considered high perceived stress.
• Change in Negative Affect from Baseline to Week 16 [Week 2: Baseline/Time 1 Survey Week 7: Time 2 Survey Week 11: Time 3 Survey Week 16: Time 4 Survey]: The Negative Affect subscale of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule captures symptoms of anxiety and distress, aligning with the study's focus on mental health. It complements the Perceived Stress Scale by measuring emotional states. Scores of the scale range from 10-50 with higher scores representing higher levels of negative affect.

Secondary outcomes

• Change in Sleep Quality from Baseline to Week 16 [Week 2: Baseline/Time 1 Survey Week 7: Time 2 Survey Week 11: Time 3 Survey Week 16: Time 4 Survey]: Assess effects on health behaviors and compare outcomes between communal (campus) vs. personal (home) plant-care environments. Using a single-item self-reported scale to measure sleep quality. Scores range from 0-10. Zero represents 0 hours of quality sleep per night per week and 10 represents 10 hours of quality sleep per night per week. Higher scores indicate better quality of sleep.
• Change in Perceived Anxiety from Baseline to Week 16 [Week 2: Baseline/Time 1 Survey Week 7: Time 2 Survey Week 11: Time 3 Survey Week 16: Time 4 Survey]: Assess effects on mental health and well-being using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory to assess acute anxiety reduction. Scores range from 20-80. Scores ranging from 20-37 would be considered low anxiety. Scores from 38-44 would be considered moderate anxiety. Scores from 45-80 would be considered high anxiety.
• Change in Perceived Mood Disturbance from Baseline to Week 16 [Week 2: Baseline/Time 1 Survey Week 7: Time 2 Survey Week 11: Time 3 Survey Week 16: Time 4 Survey]: Assess effects on mental health and well-being using the Profile of Moods States scale to assess improvements in tension, depression, and vigor. Scores range from -32 to 200 with higher scores representing a greater degree of overall mood disturbance.
• Change in Academic Performance from Baseline to Week 16 [Week 2: Baseline/Time 1 Survey Week 7: Time 2 Survey Week 11: Time 3 Survey Week 16: Time 4 Survey]: Test translational academic performance benefits using self-reported adherence to productive behaviors and the Intrinsic Goal Orientation subscale of the Motivated Strategies of Learning Questionnaire. Scores range from 1-7 with higher scores representing stronger intrinsic goal orientation.
• Change in Connectedness to Nature from Baseline to Week 16 [Week 2: Baseline/Time 1 Survey Week 7: Time 2 Survey Week 11: Time 3 Survey Week 16: Time 4 Survey]: Assess effects on health behaviors and compare outcomes between communal (campus) vs. personal (home) plant-care environments. Using a single-item self-reported scale to measure connectedness to nature. 1 represents feelings of no connectedness to nature and 7 represents feelings of high connectedness to nature. Higher scores indicate feelings of a close relationship with nature.

Sex: All, ages: 18 Years to any, accepts healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

* Enrolled in in-person HES courses during the study semester
* Not currently growing/caring for plants
* Willing to comply with assigned intervention
* Able to complete surveys in English
* Available for 16-week duration

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current enrollment in other intervention studies targeting mental health/academic performance
* Severe plant allergies (e.g. to pollen, mold) regardless of the use of non-toxic and non-pollen plants

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• Informed Consent Form (PDF, 2025-07-30)