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Nature-Based Meditation, Rumination and Mental Wellbeing

Author

Listed:
  • Matthew Owens

    (Department of Psychology, The Mood Disorders Centre, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QQ, UK
    The ROWAN Group, Exeter EX4 4QQ, UK)

  • Hannah L. I. Bunce

    (The ROWAN Group, Exeter EX4 4QQ, UK
    CEDAR, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QQ, UK
    Somerset Foundation Trust NHS, Taunton TA1 5DA, UK)

Abstract

Novel approaches for children and young people (CYP) in the prevention and intervention of mental illness are needed and nature-based interventions (NBI) may be clinically useful. This proof-of-principle study tested the effects of a novel brief nature-based meditation on rumination, depressive symptoms and wellbeing in young people. Sixty-eight university students were randomised to one of three conditions: active control (n = 23), indoor meditation (n = 22) or nature-based meditation (n = 23). Participants completed self-report measures on state and trait rumination post intervention and depression and wellbeing at a 2-week follow-up. Depressive rumination significantly decreased post intervention in the nature condition and depressive symptoms improved for both intervention groups. Wellbeing only significantly improved at follow-up in the nature condition. Nature condition participants demonstrated one minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for wellbeing at follow-up. Depressive symptoms for this condition were below the clinically significant threshold for depression. The number needed to treat (NNT) analysis suggested that two to five young people would need to complete the intervention. Preliminary evidence suggests NBIs, such as the one in the present study, can reduce depressive rumination and symptoms and improve wellbeing. Replication with larger clinical samples is required to substantiate findings.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew Owens & Hannah L. I. Bunce, 2022. "Nature-Based Meditation, Rumination and Mental Wellbeing," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-19, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:15:p:9118-:d:872287
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kirsten McEwan & David Giles & Fiona J. Clarke & Yasu Kotera & Gary Evans & Olga Terebenina & Lina Minou & Claire Teeling & Jaskaran Basran & Wendy Wood & Dominic Weil, 2021. "A Pragmatic Controlled Trial of Forest Bathing Compared with Compassionate Mind Training in the UK: Impacts on Self-Reported Wellbeing and Heart Rate Variability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-19, January.
    2. Dorthe Djernis & Inger Lerstrup & Dorthe Poulsen & Ulrika Stigsdotter & Jesper Dahlgaard & Mia O’Toole, 2019. "A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Nature-Based Mindfulness: Effects of Moving Mindfulness Training into an Outdoor Natural Setting," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-19, September.
    3. Marita Stier-Jarmer & Veronika Throner & Michaela Kirschneck & Gisela Immich & Dieter Frisch & Angela Schuh, 2021. "The Psychological and Physical Effects of Forests on Human Health: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-39, February.
    4. Matthew Owens & Ellen Townsend & Eleanor Hall & Tanisha Bhatia & Rosie Fitzgibbon & Francesca Miller-Lakin, 2022. "Mental Health and Wellbeing in Young People in the UK during Lockdown (COVID-19)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-15, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Luke A. Vitagliano & Kelly L. Wester & Connie T. Jones & David L. Wyrick & Amber L. Vermeesch, 2023. "Group Nature-Based Mindfulness Interventions: Nature-Based Mindfulness Training for College Students with Anxiety," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-18, January.
    2. Zhengkai Zhang & Hanjiang Zhang & Huan Yang & Bingzhi Zhong, 2023. "Home Greenery: Alleviating Anxiety during Lockdowns with Varied Landscape Preferences," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-14, October.
    3. Megan Rowley & Raluca Topciu & Matthew Owens, 2022. "A Systematic Review of Mechanisms Underpinning Psychological Change Following Nature Exposure in an Adolescent Population," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-22, October.
    4. Dahlia Stott & DeAndra Forde & Chetan Sharma & Jonathan M. Deutsch & Michael Bruneau & Jennifer A. Nasser & Mara Z. Vitolins & Brandy-Joe Milliron, 2024. "Interactions with Nature, Good for the Mind and Body: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(3), pages 1-26, March.

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