Application of the Theory of Para-Social Relationships for the Analysis of People's Perceptions of Indoor Plants Authors

Elizaveta IvashkinaOxana Mikhaylova^*

• HSE University, Moscow, Russia

Despite extensive research on the psychological and environmental benefits of houseplants, little is known about how individuals perceive and form emotional connections with them. This study addresses this gap by applying the theory of para-social relationships (PSRs)traditionally used to analyze one-sided bonds with media figures-to human-plant interactions.Using 15 semi-structured in-depth interviews with Russian-speaking university students who demonstrated close bonds with their indoor plants, the research explores how PSRs with plants are initiated, maintained, and influenced. Key findings reveal that exposure, homophily (perceived similarity), and contextual factors such as urban living and personal space play critical roles in fostering these relationships. Participants described engaging in practices such as regular care, observation, tactile interaction, and even anthropomorphism to deepen their connection with plants. Five distinct types of human-plant relationships were identified: ownership, friendship, parenthood, sibling-like bonds, and neighborly relations, each varying in intensity and perception of plant agency. The study highlights the therapeutic potential of PSRs with indoor plants in mitigating stress, enhancing emotional well-being, and providing companionship-particularly for students navigating transitional life stages or living in isolating environments like dormitories. These findings have broader implications for horticultural therapy, environmental psychology, and urban biophilic design. By extending PSR theory beyond human-media contexts to include non-human entities like plants, this research underscores the importance of fostering meaningful connections with nature to support mental health and promote sustainable living practices.