Psychological and physiological effects of visual stimulation with artificial natural structures and indoor plants: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

The link between natural environments and positive effects on humans is well established. Spending time in nature or naturally designed spaces is associated with positive physiological and psychological effects. We wanted to investigate whether positive effects could also be observed with structures that were created completely digitally. For this purpose, we conducted a three-arm randomized controlled trial to test the following main hypothesis: Viewing artificial natural structures has positive effects on participants, comparable to the effects of an indoor plant. We expected the artificial natural structures to lower stress, blood pressure, and pulse, and to improve emotional aspects such as well-being and relaxation. For this purpose, we carried out two interventions and a control situation. Mixed ANOVAS were conducted to test the hypotheses. We found a significant interaction effect for the variable stress. The stress level, assessed on a four-point scale, decreased the most in the group with the artificial natural structures, from 2.10 to 1.63 between pre- and post-intervention. We could not find any interaction effects for the other variables. Furthermore, the participants rated the artificial natural structures as significantly more aesthetic than the indoor plant. There are therefore indications of a positive effect of the artificial natural structures.