The ornamental industry knows that flowers and plants have a positive effect on someone's emotions and now it has once again been confirmed by a research conducted by Money.co.uk. Interested in online shopping, money.co.uk conducted an emotions test among 2,560 participants to discover which online purchases bring them the most joy. Their research reveals that a houseplant purchase increases someone's intensity of positive emotions more than any other transaction (like purchasing a gaming console, trainers, or a fiction book)– positive emotions soared by 67%.
Method
Participants were asked to complete a variation* of the BMIS test (Brief Mood Intensity Scale) and record the intensity of 10 different emotions after making an online purchase. The intensity of each emotion was allocated a score based on its positivity, with a maximum score of 500 points per item – the higher the score, the better. Participants were also asked to complete the same test before making any purchases to uncover the percentage increase in positive emotions when shopping.
Purchasing a houseplant brings more joy than any other transaction
The research found that ordering items online increases happiness by an average of 56%, but which items make them happiest? "Purchasing a houseplant brings us more joy than any other transaction according to our study. Accumulating 478 points out of a possible 500, participants’ moods improved by 67% after buying a plant for the home. It’s no wonder it scores so highly in our study as interaction with indoor plants can reduce stress and anxiety levels. What’s more, it has also been found that plants induce positive changes in the brain’s electrical activity, muscle tension, and heart activity."
The items that followed are gaming console, trainers, fiction book, home gym equipment, video game, eye shadow palette, scented candle, exercise clothing, fashion jewelry. Click here for the complete list.
Houseplants bring the most joy to females
When looking at the gender breakdown, we see that buying plants give females the most joy, whereas gaming console brings men the most joy. For men, houseplants rank 4th, after trainers and home gym equipment.
House plants popular among those aged between 35 and 54
The research shows that as people grow older, the items that bring them joy change as their lives evolve. "Younger generations tend to enjoy buying items, such as games consoles and trainers, whereas those aged between 35 and 54 in our study, said that buying a houseplant brought them the most pleasure. For participants aged between 55 and 75, our study found that buying a fiction book made them happiest of all."