Effect of plantscape preference on the psychological recovery of university students: Based on the mediating effect of prototype landscape consciousness

Currently, there is a growing concern regarding the mental health issues among college students. An increasing proportion of university students have experienced psychological illness due to mounting competitive pressure and other factors. Previous studies have revealed a significant positive impact of landscape preference on psychological recovery, as well as the influence of prototype landscapes on landscape perception. Consequently, this study aims to examine the connecting role of prototype landscape consciousness between landscape preference and psychological recovery, while providing a reliable foundation for the design of healing environments on campuses. We selected five typical plantscape photographs and distributed questionnaires to gather basic data from undergraduates (n = 200). The mediating effect was tested using AMOS software. The results demonstrated that a significant positive influence of plantscape preference on prototype landscape consciousness and psychological recovery, and that prototype landscape consciousness exhibited a significantly positive influence on psychological recovery. Additionally, prototype landscape consciousness was found to partially mediate the relationship between plantscape preference and psychological recovery, thus supporting the hypothesis. These findings elucidate one of the psychological processes that underlie the link between landscape preference and psychological healing. Certainly, the roles of other factors in that mechanism remain to be discussed. Simultaneously, the evaluation of one's childhood hometown environment is associated with the psychological healing potential of college students in adulthood.