Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges
Abstract
Introduction: Stress and burnout within the physician assistant student population has been an evolving topic in physician assistant education. Greenspaces have been utilized for the reduction of stress and improvement of overall well-being.
Methods: Using a mixed methods survey methodology, participating physician assistant students were evaluated on their perceived stress levels both pre and post-exposure to a garden area. Both quantitative and thematic qualitative data was synthesized to evaluate the garden’s effect on the physician assistant student stress levels.
Results: A linear mixed effects model revealed that participants significantly improved stress outcomes from pre-test to post-test (ꞵ = 3.83, CI95% [3.02, 4.64], p < .001), accounting for ~73% of the variance. Model comparison favored a reduced model without duration of time spent in the greenspace (AIC = 83.848, BF10 = 5.02), indicating that greenspace exposure alone best explained stress outcomes independent of duration of time spent in the greenspace. Qualitative data illuminated a shift in all participants to an improved emotional state in response to the garden exposure regardless of pre-exposure emotions.
Discussion: Both qualitative and quantitative results show an improvement in perceived stress levels in physician assistant students after garden exposure whether performing traditionally rejuvenative/relaxing activities, or activities such as studying that could otherwise elevate stress levels. Further evaluation of the effects of greenspace and garden exposure should be evaluated to incorporate as a holistic approach to reducing physician assistant student stress and burnout.
Recommended Citation
Gilbert, R., Schempp, A., & Martin, D. (2026). Effects of Garden Exposure on Physician Assistant Students. Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges, 29 (1). Retrieved from https://commons.vccs.edu/inquiry/vol29/iss1/6