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Testing a New Protocol of Nature-Based Intervention to Enhance Well-Being: A Randomized Control Trial

Author

Listed:
  • Po Lam Ho

    (Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China)

  • Tsz Wai Li

    (Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China)

  • Huinan Liu

    (Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
    Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China)

  • Tsun Fung Yeung

    (Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China)

  • Wai Kai Hou

    (Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
    Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China)

Abstract

This study aims to test the associations of nature contact with multiple dimensions of psychological functioning. A total of 90 university employees were randomly assigned to spend their lunch breaks on (1) a 30-min structured protocol of nature contact and (2) a control group for 10 consecutive weekdays. Psychological distress, psychological well-being, and work-related psychological outcomes were assessed at baseline (T1), the day after the 10-day intervention (T2), and three months after the intervention (T3). Mixed-design analyses of variance (ANOVA) were conducted. Overall, significant intervention effects were found in the structured protocol of nature contact on psychological distress, well-being outcomes, and work engagement (all p < 0.05), whereas the 3-month post-intervention effects were non-significant. Our study showed that nature-based activities during lunch breaks could enhance office workers’ mental health in general, but the effects could be short-lived, calling for regular nature-based programs in occupational settings.

Suggested Citation

  • Po Lam Ho & Tsz Wai Li & Huinan Liu & Tsun Fung Yeung & Wai Kai Hou, 2022. "Testing a New Protocol of Nature-Based Intervention to Enhance Well-Being: A Randomized Control Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-14, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:7:p:3931-:d:779755
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lara S. Franco & Danielle F. Shanahan & Richard A. Fuller, 2017. "A Review of the Benefits of Nature Experiences: More Than Meets the Eye," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-29, August.
    2. Yun-Ah Oh & Seon-Ok Kim & Sin-Ae Park, 2019. "Real Foliage Plants as Visual Stimuli to Improve Concentration and Attention in Elementary Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-12, March.
    3. Wai Kai Hou & Li Liang & Clint Hougen & George A. Bonanno, 2021. "Regulatory Flexibility of Sustaining Daily Routines and Mental Health in Adaptation to Financial Strain: A Vignette Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-20, March.
    4. Yasuhiro Kotera & Melinda Lyons & Katia Correa Vione & Briony Norton, 2021. "Effect of Nature Walks on Depression and Anxiety: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-17, April.
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