Human Stress Reduction Through Horticultural Vocational Training

Five physiological measures of stress were made of 20 developmentally disabled adults working in a greenhouse or training center. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, electrodermal response, and finger skin temperature were significantly lower for adults in the greenhouse as compared to the training center. Pulse rates were significantly lower after training had occurred. Vocational training of mentally retarded adults in a greenhouse environment could lead to healthier, more productive workers.