HARTFORD, CT — A study published this week in the Journal of Community Mental Health has found that topless backyard gardening by one resident of a Hartford-area subdivision correlated with a statistically significant decrease in depression rates among her immediate neighbors. The effect was strongest within direct line-of-sight of the garden and diminished rapidly beyond two property lines.
"We were not studying this," said Dr. Carol Nesmith, associate professor of public health at the University of Connecticut and lead author of the paper. "We were studying the mental health impact of urban green spaces. The toplessness was not part of the protocol." She paused. "It became the protocol."
Methodology
The study tracked depression indicators across a twelve-block residential area over fourteen months using the PHQ-9 standardised scale. Researchers noted an anomaly: one cluster of properties showed depression scores dropping sharply beginning in May of last year, recovering partially in October, then dropping again the following spring.
"We cross-referenced the timeline with environmental variables," Nesmith said. "Weather. Noise. Pollen. Community events." She set down her notes, "It was the nudity."
The test subject said she had resolved to put down her screens and get back to nature. Neighbors also decreased screentime while she was gardening. "It seems good for everyone, even our researchers were happy," noted the study.
Neighbor Response
All eleven neighbors whose properties fell within the study's primary observation zone reported mood improvements they described as "significant" or "considerable." One described the effect as "the best thing that has happened to this neighborhood since the Hendersons put in a pool." The Hendersons confirmed they have a pool, but said swimsuits are required to enter.
"I used to dread mornings," said one participant, a 74-year-old retiree who lives directly behind Participant H. "I would wake up and feel a heaviness. Now I set an alarm." He said he had also taken up birdwatching, but has not yet spotted any birds.
A second neighbor, who has lived next door for seven years, said she had noticed her husband's mood improving dramatically since spring. "He is finally fixing the roof after all these years. He's up there every day for a few hours, and he doesn't even make noise."
Public Health Implications
The study has drawn attention from municipal health departments in three adjacent counties, all of which asked for the address of the study site. Nesmith declined to divulge it, noting their attempt to keep the research subject in their natural routine. "We wanted a double-blind study, but we can't even keep it to single-blind."
More than one neighbor has fallen off the roof, revealing some negative impacts due to positive impact with the ground.
HOA Response
The Lovely Hills Homeowners Association reviewed the activity at its March meeting and determined it did not violate any current covenant. Section 4.7 of the HOA bylaws prohibits "conduct likely to diminish property values or neighbourhood harmony." The board found the activity had increased both. The motion to take no action passed 6 to 1. The dissenting vote was cast by a member who lives on the north-facing side of the street.
