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A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Nature-Based Mindfulness: Effects of Moving Mindfulness Training into an Outdoor Natural Setting

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  • Dorthe Djernis

    (Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, C 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark)

  • Inger Lerstrup

    (Department of Landscape Architecture and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 230 53 Alnarp, Sweden)

  • Dorthe Poulsen

    (Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, C 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark)

  • Ulrika Stigsdotter

    (Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, C 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark)

  • Jesper Dahlgaard

    (Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, N 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
    Research Center for Health and Welfare Technology, VIA University College, N 8200 Aarhus, Denmark)

  • Mia O’Toole

    (Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, C 8000 Aarhus, Denmark)

Abstract

Research has proven that both mindfulness training and exposure to nature have positive health effects. The purpose of this study was to systematically review quantitative studies of mindfulness interventions conducted in nature (nature-based mindfulness), and to analyze the effects through meta-analyses. Electronic searches revealed a total of 25 studies to be included, examining 2990 participants. Three analyses were conducted: Nature-based mindfulness interventions evaluated as open trials (k = 13), nature-based mindfulness compared with groups in non-active control conditions (k = 5), and nature-based mindfulness compared with similar interventions but without contact with nature (k = 7). The overall combined psychological, physiological, and interpersonal effects from pre- to post-intervention were statistically significant and of medium size ( g = 0.54, p < 0.001). Moderation analyses showed that natural environments characterized as forests/wild nature obtained larger numerical effects than environments characterized as gardens/parks, as did informal mindfulness compared with formal mindfulness. The small number of studies included, as well as the heterogeneity and generally low quality of the studies, must be taken into consideration when the results are interpreted. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42017065639.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:17:p:3202-:d:263344
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Julie Bayle-Cordier & Loïc Berger & Rayan Elatmani & Massimo Tavoni, 2023. "Breath, Love, Walk? The Impact of Mindfulness Interventions on Climate Policy Support and Environmental Attitudes," Post-Print hal-04272099, HAL.
    2. Miek C. Jong & Trine Stub & Eric Mulder & Mats Jong, 2022. "The Development and Acceptability of a Wilderness Programme to Support the Health and Well-Being of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: The WAYA Programme," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-21, September.
    3. 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.
    4. Julie Bayle-Cordier & Loïc Berger & Rayan Elatmani & Massimo Tavoni, 2023. "Breath, Love, Walk? The Impact of Mindfulness Interventions on Climate Policy Support and Environmental Attitudes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-29, July.
    5. Nevin J. Harper & Carina R. Fernee & Leiv E. Gabrielsen, 2021. "Nature’s Role in Outdoor Therapies: An Umbrella Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-13, May.
    6. Jennifer Keller & Jean Kayira & Louise Chawla & Jason L. Rhoades, 2023. "Forest Bathing Increases Adolescents’ Mental Well-Being: A Mixed-Methods Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(1), pages 1-24, December.
    7. Elisa Menardo & Donatella Di Marco & Sara Ramos & Margherita Brondino & Alicia Arenas & Patricia Costa & Carlos Vaz de Carvalho & Margherita Pasini, 2022. "Nature and Mindfulness to Cope with Work-Related Stress: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-16, May.
    8. Giulia Catissi & Gabriela Gouveia & Roberta Maria Savieto & Cristiane Pavanello Rodrigues Silva & Raquel Simões de Almeida & Gustavo Benvenutti Borba & Kaue Alves Rosario & Eliseth Ribeiro Leão, 2024. "Nature-Based Interventions Targeting Elderly People’s Health and Well-Being: An Evidence Map," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(1), pages 1-20, January.
    9. 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.
    10. Reo Jones & Robin Tarter & Amy Miner Ross, 2021. "Greenspace Interventions, Stress and Cortisol: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-21, March.
    11. Matthew Owens & Hannah L. I. Bunce, 2022. "Nature-Based Meditation, Rumination and Mental Wellbeing," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-19, July.

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