Psychological and Physiological Changes in Firefighters Based on Roadside Flowerscape Models and Plant Colors

Abstract

Background and objective: This study was conducted to examine the psychological and physiological changes in firefighters according to roadside flowerscape (RFS) models and color stimulation.Methods: EEG and ECG measurement was taken and a survey was conducted on a total of 30 firefighters with a mean age of 35.3 ± 9.4 years in Jeonju.Results: For the violet RFS among the four colors (white, yellow, pink, and violet) of the RFSs, RST(radio of SMR to theta), RSMT(ratio to mid beta to theta), RMT(ratio of mid beta to theta), RMB(relative mid beta power spectrum), and ASEF(spectral edge frequency of 50% alpha spectrum band), which is a comfort indicator, were the highest in all lobes, including the prefrontal lobe, a finding which was statistically significant. The radio of alpha to high beta (RAHB), an indicator of calm and relaxation, was the highest for the white flowerscape. As for the level of gardening activity, the higher the age, the higher the average monthly income and rank, and the longer work experience, the higher the average value. The stress level of firefighters was 46.7%, indicating the need for expert help. Among the four colors (white, yellow, pink, and violet) of the RFSs, the preference for the yellow flowerscape was the highest, and "pleasant" was also the most common emotion, a finding which was statistically significant. As for the correlation between loyalty to the RFSs and key variables, a positive correlation was found between loyalty and gardening activity level, while a negative correlation was found between loyalty and job burnout. By examining the effects of key variables, as well as demographic variables such as gardening activity level and job burnout on respondents' loyalty, a sense of calm was found to be the most influential variable.Conclusion: Based on these findings, it is expected that supporting the development of RFS models and improving a sense of calm and the level of gardening activities, which affect the loyalty of firefighters, who are high-risk workers, will reduce high stress levels and job burnout, and increase interest in plants and psychological and physiological relaxation effects.