Active Hydroponic Plant Care, Nature Connection, and Perceived Stress among Adolescents: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study
Ceyon An
03/09/2026
Adolescents today report unprecedented levels of academic stress and growing disconnection from the natural world, yet remain underrepresented in nature-based wellbeing interventions, and school-based mental health resources remain stretched thin. This mixed-methods pilot study examines whether sustained active engagement with a living system is associated with reduced perceived stress, stronger ecological identity (how people perceive themselves as living beings connected to nature), and social connection in high-pressure academic environments. We hypothesized that a 3-week hydroponic herb-growing project would be associated with reduced perceived stress, increased nature connection, heightened environmental responsibility, and strengthened peer collaboration among high school students. Three participants (two juniors and one freshman) completed pre- and post-intervention Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) assessments, weekly Likert-scale surveys, and reflection journals, while the researcher independently recorded observational field notes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic coding. Results indicated a 38.0% reduction in mean PSS-10 scores among the three participants (pre: 29.7; post: 18.3). Post-intervention surveys showed strong endorsement of stress management (M = 4.00) and peer collaboration (M = 4.67–5.00), moderate nature connection (M = 4.67), and variable environmental responsibility (M = 3.33–4.00). Qualitative analysis most frequently reflected sensory engagement, environmental stewardship, and nature connection, with journal entries demonstrating a progression from procedural task completion to integrated moral responsibility. These findings suggest that structured plant stewardship may offer a cost-effective, accessible approach worth investigating for reducing adolescent stress while fostering ecological identity and social bonds. Future research employing larger samples, control groups, and longitudinal designs is needed to confirm generalizability across diverse populations and contexts.