Peer Evaluation
Nano1095_
GardeningforTherapeuticPeople-PlantInteractionsduringLong-DurationSpaceMissionsResearchReport.pptx
Gardening for Therapeutic People-Plant Interactions
Nathan James
October 22, 2020
Title: “Gardening for Therapeutic People-Plant Interactions during Long-Duration Space Missions”
Authors: Raymond Odeh & Charles L. Guy
Journal: Open Agriculture | Volume 2: Issue 1
Published: 9 Jan 2017
Odeh, R., & Guy, C. L. (2017). Gardening for therapeutic people-plant interactions during long-duration space missions. Open Agriculture, 2(1), 1-13.
Work Cited
Case Study
Synthesizes literature on people-plant interactions
Relates key findings relevant to space exploration + Psychosocial + Neurocognitive benefits of plants
Case made in support of utilizing plant-medicated therapeutic benefits to mitigate potential psychosocial + neurocognitive decrements associated with long-duration space missions
Subjects: Astronauts; Adults with Mental Health Difficulties; Women Suffering from PTSD
Out of 156 References Produced by a Systematic Search, 10 Studies Meet Standards
Location & Setting
Long Duration Space Flights
Missions to Various Space Stations
Dates of Experiment:
Years 2003 -2013
Research Instruments:
Analog Environments + Psych Assessments
Quantitative Psychometric Assessments
Other Critical Assessments
Research Methodology:
Find Likelihood of Mental Health Disturbances
Find Parameters for Standards
Find Benefits from Gardening
Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011
Findings:
HT Interventions Resulted in Significant Improvements in Positive Affect, Total Mood Disturbance, Quality of Life + Reductions in Clinician PTSD Scores + Salivary Cortisol Levels
7 Studies Reported reductions in Depression; 4 Studies reductions in Anxiety; 1 Study increased self-esteem
3 Studies found reductions in stress + improved mood; 2 reported improved social skills
Limitations of Study / Methodology:
Further conclusions drawn from number of retrospective studies and reviews concerning mental health benefits of gardening identify sound empirical evidence as a prevailing problem.
There have been few studies that have been done because of the strict screening process allowing Astronauts to participate; underlining the need for more high-quality research.
