The Effects of Greenhouse Activities on Psychological Stress, Depression, and Anxiety among University Students Who Served in the US Armed Forces

The mental health of the men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces is an area of great concern in the United States. Studies have shown the mental health of university students is also a concern with a growing need for support services and prevention measures. The main objective of this study was to determine the effects of participation in particular greenhouse activities on depression, anxiety, and stress levels of students who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The study included a control group and a treatment group. Participants completed a pre- and post 21-item Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) survey, along with a questionnaire designed to capture participants' demographic information and information regarding their military service history. The treatment consisted of a 6-week indoor plant care program. Results of the study found that student veterans who participated in the plant care class had decreased levels of depression and stress when compared with the control group. In the post-test open-ended questions, student veterans described a noticeable feeling of reduced stress along with the ability to relax while having feelings of a sense of place (belonging). Participants also indicated that they would continue to grow plants as a hobby.