Effects of nature-based intervention in the treatment of depression: A multi-center, randomized controlled trial

Abstract

This research investigated the effects of a nature-based treatment on participants diagnosed with depression. Participants (N = 136) were randomized into nature-based (n = 59) or standard care-only (n = 77) groups. The participants in the nature-based group were offered 12 nature-based sessions once a week in addition to standard care. The participants in the nature-based group were on average 45.0 years (range 22–64 years) and participants in the standard-care only were on average 45.4 years (range 19–64 years). The nature-based groups took place in five towns across Finland. The observed effects of the intervention on participants in the nature-based group, when compared to the participants who received standard care only, included a greater decrease in psychological distress (p < .05) and an increase in restorative experiences (p < .01) as well as in the self-reported ability to work/study but only at post-measurement (p < .05). Nature sessions produced restorative experiences that mediated the decrease in depression. The depression scores of participants in both groups reduced significantly and no differences were observed between the groups. Thus, nature-based intervention can be a safe and beneficial form of short-term group treatment for depression in addition to standard care.