Comparison of Stress Relieving Effects of Horticultural Therapy Programs between Judging and Perceiving Personality Types Among Female Undergraduate Students

This study looked at how horticultural therapy programs affected stress levels in female college students, and if those effects differed based on personality type (Judging or Perceiving, according to the MBTI test). Thirty students were divided into two groups based on their MBTI personality type (15 Judging and 15 Perceiving) and participated in six horticultural therapy sessions. Researchers measured their stress levels before and after the sessions to see if gardening activities helped and if the type of activity preferred differed based on personality.

The study found that both Judging and Perceiving types experienced a significant decrease in stress after participating in the horticultural therapy programs. While both personality types benefitted, the Judging types showed stress relief in more specific areas of their lives than the Perceiving types. The types also had different preferences for the horticultural activities: Judging types preferred making flower baskets, while Perceiving types preferred planting monstera. The results suggest that tailored horticultural therapy programs based on personality type could be more effective at relieving stress.

An, S. Y., Hong, J. W., Jang, E. J., & Kim, J. (2021). Comparison of stress relieving effects of horticultural therapy programs between judging and perceiving personality types among female undergraduate students. Journal of People, Plants, and Environment, 24(1), 63–73. https://doi.org/10.11628/ksppe.2021.24.1.63