RESEARCH

Horticultural Activities Participation and College Students’ Positive Mental Characters: Mediating Role of Academic Self-Efficacy

This study examines how participation in horticultural activities influences college students’ mental well-being, highlighting the mediating role of academic self-efficacy in promoting positive psychological traits.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Mental Health Challenges/Trauma

Setting or Context: Schools/Educational Settings

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Increased Social Engagement & Skills

Allied Profession Intersections: Education

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening

Evidence Type: Meta-Analyses/Systematic Reviews, Qualitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes

Access: Free

Summary

The research surveyed 160 college students to analyze the connection between gardening engagement, academic confidence, and mental resilience. Findings reveal that students who regularly participated in horticultural activities exhibited higher levels of academic self-efficacy, which in turn positively influenced their mental well-being. Gardening was linked to increased creativity, emotional stability, and social engagement, reinforcing its potential as a stress-reducing and character-building activity on college campuses.

The study further suggests that longer gardening sessions yield greater psychological benefits, emphasizing the importance of integrating horticultural programs into university settings. It recommends that colleges incorporate gardening into curricula, campus initiatives, and student organizations to foster emotional resilience and learning motivation. These findings support horticultural therapy as a valuable tool for enhancing student mental health and academic success

Link

Guo, S., Li, T., Xue, B., & Yang, X. (2023). Horticultural activities participation and college students’ positive mental characters: Mediating role of academic self-efficacy. Horticulturae, 9(3), 334.

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