Effects of an indoor plant on creative task performance and mood

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the effect of an indoor plant on task performance and on mood. Three room arrangements were used as independent variables: a room with (1) a plant, or (2) a magazine rack with magazines placed in front of the participants, or (3) a room with neither of these objects. Undergraduate students (M= 35, F= 55) performed a task of associating up to 30 words with each of 20 specified words in a room with one of the three room arrangements. Task performance scores showed that female participants performed better in view of the plant in comparison to the magazine rack (p < 0.05). Moreover, mood was better with the plant or the magazine rack in the room compared to the no object condition (p < 0.05). However, the difference in task performance was highly influenced by the evaluation about the plant or the magazine rack. It is suggested that the compatibility between task demand and the environment is an important factor in facilitating task performances.

The building process as a tool towards an all-inclusive school. A Swedish example focusing on children with defined concentration difficulties such as ADHD, autism and Down’s syndrome

“…Individual factors such as age, gender (Laike 1997;Reese et al 2005;Lehnung et al 2003), and disabilities (Faber Taylor et al 2002), especially concerning children, also have an impact on behaviour. Shibata and Suzuki (2004) found that indoor plants have positive effects on emotional state and creative task performance. Other studies have shown the impact of a view through a window, i.e.…”

Individual Control over the Physical Work Environment to Affect Creativity

“…For instance, as suggested by Larsen et al (1998), the existence of indoor plants increase the attractiveness and comfort of office environments. In the same vein, Shibata and Suzuki (2004) indicated the positive role of using plants on employees' creativity.…”

“…Previous studies from different perspectives have shown that the perceived quality of the physical work environment influence people creativity (see for example: McCoy and Evans, 2002;Vithayathawornwong et al, 2003;Vischer, 2007;Oksanen and Ståhle, 2013). In fact, previous studies indicated the direct or indirect role of certain features of the physical work environment on creativity via mood (Hedge, 1982;Larsen et al, 1998;Shibata and Suzuki, 2004). For instance, Larsen et al (1998) indicated that using plants in office design can improve people's positive moods; Shibata and Suzuki (2004) specified that using plants at work can enhance people's positive mood and creativity as well.…”

“…In fact, previous studies indicated the direct or indirect role of certain features of the physical work environment on creativity via mood (Hedge, 1982;Larsen et al, 1998;Shibata and Suzuki, 2004). For instance, Larsen et al (1998) indicated that using plants in office design can improve people's positive moods; Shibata and Suzuki (2004) specified that using plants at work can enhance people's positive mood and creativity as well. Hedge (1982) indicated the role of windows in the workplace to enhance employees' creativity.…”

Psychological Benefits of Ornamental Plants Used in Office Environments

“…Incorporating nature in interior design can play an important role in creating an environment that promotes physical and mental health of the occupants (Shibata 2001(Shibata , 2004Yannick et al, 2009).…”