Mira Krishnaiah

Fostering Emotional Well-being in Educational Environments: An Innovative Approach through Interactive Floral Displays

Started June 16, 2023

Abstract or project description

In recent years, the profound impact of emotional well-being on academic performance and overall student development has become increasingly evident. Research has demonstrated the necessity of emotional communication, especially for students of all ages, given the many mental health needs -- including stress, unhealthy social media use, and even anxiety and depression. Studies show that rates of depression and anxiety are drastically increasing, with even one study finding a 27% increase in anxiety and a 24% increase in the depression between 2016 and 2019 (The State of Pediatric Mental Health in America 2023 Report). Mental health affects academic outcomes, so increased attention to this issue is necessary. To allow for anonymous emotional expression, I developed an interactive floral display placed in schools that allows students to interact with their own flower, changing its opening/closing position, as well as light color to express their mood.