Efectos de las intervenciones hortícolas sobre el estrés y el rendimiento cognitivo en estudiantes universitarios: estudio piloto experimental en la Universidad de Concepción.
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Date
2025
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Universidad de Concepción
Abstract
En un contexto global donde la urbanización crece rápidamente, los problemas de salud mental, especialmente entre jóvenes, están en aumento. Chile no es ajeno a esta tendencia preocupante. La investigación existente sugiere que las intervenciones basadas en la naturaleza, como la terapia hortícola, pueden tener efectos positivos en la salud mental. Este estudio piloto investigó los efectos de las intervenciones hortícolas sobre el estrés fisiológico (presión arterial, frecuencia cardíaca, frecuencia respiratoria, saturometría), estrés percibido (escala de Estrés Percibido) y el rendimiento cognitivo (memoria, atención, el control inhibitorio). Se utilizó un diseño experimental con grupo control que realizo una intervención lúdica (n = 13) y grupo de intervención hortícola (n = 9). Se midieron los parámetros antes y después de cada sesión en estudiantes universitarios de la Universidad de Concepción. Contrariamente a lo esperado, el estrés percibido aumentó significativamente en el grupo intervención hortícola versus la intervención lúdica (p = 0.007), sugiriendo posibles efectos adversos de la intervención. Variables como frecuencia respiratoria, saturometría y memoria no mostraron cambios significativos. Estos hallazgos podrían estar relacionados al diseño del programa, resaltan la necesidad de investigar mecanismos subyacentes considerando el contexto específico, la duración del programa y el número de participantes.
In a global context where urbanization is rapidly increasing, mental health problems—especially among young people—are on the rise. Chile is no exception to this concerning trend. Existing research suggests that nature-based interventions, such as horticultural therapy, can have positive effects on mental health. This pilot study investigated the effects of horticultural interventions on physiological stress (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale), and cognitive performance (memory, attention, and inhibitory control). An experimental design was used with a control group that participated in a recreational intervention (n = 13) and a horticultural intervention group (n = 9). Parameters were measured before and after each session in university students from the University of Concepción. Contrary to expectations, perceived stress increased significantly in the horticultural intervention group compared to the recreational intervention (p = 0.007), suggesting possible adverse effects of the intervention. Variables such as respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and memory did not show significant changes. These findings may be related to the program design and highlight the need to investigate underlying mechanisms, taking into account the specific context, program duration, and number of participants.
In a global context where urbanization is rapidly increasing, mental health problems—especially among young people—are on the rise. Chile is no exception to this concerning trend. Existing research suggests that nature-based interventions, such as horticultural therapy, can have positive effects on mental health. This pilot study investigated the effects of horticultural interventions on physiological stress (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale), and cognitive performance (memory, attention, and inhibitory control). An experimental design was used with a control group that participated in a recreational intervention (n = 13) and a horticultural intervention group (n = 9). Parameters were measured before and after each session in university students from the University of Concepción. Contrary to expectations, perceived stress increased significantly in the horticultural intervention group compared to the recreational intervention (p = 0.007), suggesting possible adverse effects of the intervention. Variables such as respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and memory did not show significant changes. These findings may be related to the program design and highlight the need to investigate underlying mechanisms, taking into account the specific context, program duration, and number of participants.
Description
Tesis presentada para optar al título de Ingeniera en Conservación de Recursos Naturales
Keywords
Jardinería Uso terapéutico, Estudiantes universitarios, Salud mental