anxiety, depression, stress, quality of life, wellbeing, loneliness, self-esteem, self-stigma, restoration, rootedness, ecological identity, nature connection, blood pressure and heart rate mental health and wellbeing, quality of life, loneliness, self-esteem, barriers for seeking help, feeling restored and rooted, relationship people and nature, blood pressure and heart rate
Conditions
Interventions
Nature-based interventions (NBIs).Within NATURELAB we define NBIs as therapeutic interventions (i.e. programmes) led by a trained facilitator that uses exposure to, and interaction with, nature to imp
1. 
 
Nature connection – fostering meaningful interaction with natural environments.
2. 
Sequencing of sensory engagement – attention to the timing, duration, and frequency of nature exposure.
3. 
Noticing – cultivating awareness of natural surroundings and their personal impact.
4. 
Artistic expression – using creative activities (e.g., movement, writing, storytelling) to deepen connection and awareness.
5. 
Sponsors
Europese Commissie
Eligibility
Age
2 Years to 99 Years
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: We will include individuals (age = 10 years) living in the vicinity of Brasapark in Amsterdam South-East self-reporting poor mental wellbeing (on the WHO-5 Wellbeing Index cutoff below 50%). Individuals with physical or mental limitations can be accompanied by a carer or friend who can support with interpretation and communication between the participant and others (e.g. researchers, group facilitator, participant group). Children below 16 years old require written consent by a parent or legal guardian for participation. This parent or legal guardian may also participate in the nature-based intervention sessions, but this is not a requirement. All participants need to have language proficiency in either Dutch or English.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: Participants will be excluded and, where needed referred, to the general practitioner (GP) or specialist services if they: have severe cognitive impairment (e.g., advanced dementia), acute medical conditions, exhibit disrespectful behaviour (e.g., racism), pose a risk of harm to themselves or others. Such conditions prevent them from understanding the study process or from participating in the group dynamics and activities in nature. Participants are also excluded if they started a new psychopharmacological or psychotherapeutic intervention (within one month at the time of screening), or have expected dosage changes, during the study period, to prevent potential interference between newly initiated treatment and nature-based interventions. Those receiving ongoing stable treatment in specialised mental healthcare will be included.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Psychological distress.For adults (age 18 years or above) psychological distress is a composite measure (PHQ-ADS) of Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). For children and adolescents (age 17 years or below) psychological distress will be measured by the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale Youth version (DASS-Y). | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Key secondary outcomes are well-being, stress, quality of life, self-esteem, restoration, blood pressure, loneliness, and indicators of nature connection. | — |
Countries
Netherlands
Contacts
Public ContactA Woodward
Vrije Universiteit
Outcome results
None listed