Simulated natural environments bolster the effectiveness of a mindfulness programme: A comparison with a relaxation-based intervention
Name:
Publisher version
View Source
Access full-text PDFOpen Access
View Source
Check access options
Check access options
Abstract
This study assesses the effectiveness of incorporating the beneficial effects of exposure to nature in a 3-week mindfulness programme. Participants (n = 122) were randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups (mindfulness, relaxation group) under different simulated environmental conditions (two natural, two non-natural environments) during an intervention lasting three weeks. The participants in the mindfulness group were asked to attend a weekly 1-h mindfulness programme. The relaxation group also spent 1 h per week on relaxation activities of their choice (e.g. reading books or magazines). Participants’ wellbeing outcomes and nature connectedness were measured before and after the three-week intervention, and at one-week follow-up. The findings show that the mindfulness programme was more effective when carried out in a natural environment. In addition, the mindfulness group in natural environments continued to improve even after the intervention was completed. This study offers valuable insights into the benefits of combining a wellbeing intervention with exposure to nature.Citation
Choe, E.Y., Jorgensen, A. and Sheffield, D., (2020). 'Simulated natural environments bolster the effectiveness of a mindfulness programme: A comparison with a relaxation-based intervention'. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 67, pp. 1-13.Publisher
ElsevierJournal
Journal of Environmental PsychologyDOI
10.1016/j.jenvp.2019.101382Additional Links
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272494419300167?via%3Dihubhttp://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/155740/
Type
ArticleLanguage
enISSN
02724944EISSN
15229610ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1016/j.jenvp.2019.101382