ISHS Acta Horticulturae 391: Horticulture in Human life, Culture and Environment
HUMAN HEALTH AND WELL-BEING: THE PSYCHOLOGICAL, PHYSIOLOGICAL, AND SOCIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF PLANTS ON PEOPLE |
| Author: | C.A. Lewis |
| Keywords: | Landscape preference, People-plant relationships, Horticultural therapy, Community gardening, Psychological effects of plants, Physiological effects of plants, Social effects of plants, Horticulture and human health |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.1995.391.2 |
| Abstract:
Evolutionary origins are suggested for the affinity of people with plants. Plants enter the human psyche through observation and/or participation. Given a choice, people prefer settings with vegetation over those lacking vegetation. Research indicates such settings reduce stress, promote peace, tranquility, enhanced self-esteem, and sense of mastery of the environment. Horticultural therapy is cited for its history of using plants as a treatment modality. Settings of vegetation reduce blood pressure and heart rate, speed recovery from surgery and other forms of stress, and enhance sense of well-being. They ameliorate the institutional effects of geriatric centers. Community gardening and tree planting lead urban residents to social and physical actions for improving neighborhoods. Gardening also positively affects self-image and social relationships of prison inmates. | |
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