One study examined elementary school students participating in a plant-mediated therapy program. The program, which incorporated hands-on plant care and guided horticultural activities, was associated with reduced aggressive behaviors and enhanced psychological well-being. Students showed improved emotional regulation, social interactions, and overall classroom engagement, suggesting that exposure to plants can support positive behavioral outcomes in young learners.
Additional research focused on adults experiencing work-related stress and burnout risk. A structured agro-healing program combining gardening tasks, relaxation exercises, and mindfulness techniques demonstrated reductions in burnout indicators and improvements in overall mental health. Participants reported lower stress levels, increased attention, and a greater sense of personal resilience.
Physiological measurements further supported these findings. Using electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring, researchers observed that adults engaged in agro-healing activities exhibited brain activity patterns associated with relaxation, focus, and reduced cognitive fatigue. These neural responses suggest that interacting with plants and horticultural environments can positively influence brain function and stress regulation.
Another study explored how the visual characteristics of foliage plants affect human responses. Leaf shape was found to influence psychophysiological measures, including heart rate and subjective relaxation. Participants exposed to certain leaf forms experienced greater calming effects, highlighting the potential for design considerations in indoor and therapeutic plant environments.
Together, these studies reinforce the value of integrating plant-based activities into educational, workplace, and therapeutic settings. Agro-healing programs can provide non-invasive, accessible interventions that improve emotional well-being, reduce stress, and promote healthier behavioral and cognitive outcomes.
The findings support the growing adoption of horticulture and plant-focused programs as tools for mental health promotion and stress management across diverse populations
This research was conducted by Dr. Sin-Ae Park and her research team at Konkuk University in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Team members include Sun-Mi Lee, Mi-Sook Jeong and Seo-Hyun Kim.
Dr. Park is a professor in the Department of Environmental Health Science, and the Department of Bio and Healing Convergence, Konkuk University,, Seoul, Republic of Korea..Her research investigates how horticultural activities improve mental health, reduce stress, and improve cognitive function across various populations. She has developed evidence-based horticultural programs aimed at improving emotional intelligence in children and enhancing family resilience
The full articles can be found on the ASHS HortScience electronic journal website at: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI18675-25
https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI18998-25
https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI18997-25
https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI19050-25
Established in 1903, the American Society for Horticultural Science is recognized around the world as one of the most respected and influential professional societies for horticultural scientists. ASHS is committed to promoting and encouraging national and international interest in scientific research and education in all branches of horticulture.
Comprised of thousands of members worldwide, ASHS represents a broad cross-section of the horticultural community – scientists, educators, students, landscape and turf managers, government, extension agents and industry professionals. ASHS members focus on practices and problems in horticulture: breeding, propagation, production and management, harvesting, handling and storage, processing, marketing and use of horticultural plants and products. To learn more, visit ashs.org.
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