Nature-Based Contemplation for Spiritual Well-Being: A Pilot Study Exploring Acceptability and Potential Benefits
Xingjian Ruan, Jannis T. Kraiss, Kim J. M. Tönis, Ausiàs Cebolla, Lonneke I. M. Lenferink, Thomas van Rompay, Ernst T. Bohlmeijer
Mindfulness October 13, 2025 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-025-02686-6 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Mixed-methods, single-arm pilot study Preregistered Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 41 |
| Population | Dutch adults |
| Duration | 2-week intervention, with follow-ups at 1 month and 3 months |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Contemplation Feeling Thematic analysis Intervention counseling Qualitative research Mental health Social connectedness Psychotherapist Applied psychology Health benefits Spirituality Clinical psychology Well-being Qualitative property |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key points | Spiritual well-being showed significant immediate improvements (g = 0.22–0.31) that were not maintained at follow-ups, while emotional well-being demonstrated sustained improvements across all time points. |
Abstract
Abstract Objectives Spiritual well-being, characterized by enhanced feelings of connection with self, others, nature, and the transcendent, significantly contributes to mental health and provides unique benefits that extend beyond other dimensions of well-being, such as emotional or physical well-being. This study explored the acceptability and potential benefits of an innovative nature-based contemplation intervention integrating mindful awareness with contemplative practice to promote spiritual well-being.
Method: A mixed-methods, single-arm pilot study recruited 41 Dutch adults who completed ten 30-min sessions over 2 weeks. Each session involved guided mindful awareness and contemplative practice in natural settings. Quantitative assessments were conducted at baseline, at post-intervention, and at 1-month and 3-month follow-ups and were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. Qualitative interviews explored participant experiences through thematic analysis.
Results: Spiritual well-being showed significant immediate improvements ( g = 0.22–0.31) that were not maintained at follow-ups. Emotional well-being demonstrated sustained significant improvements across all time points. Nature connectedness ( g = 0.38) and social well-being ( g = 0.40) exhibited delayed effects emerging only at 1-month follow-up. Participants reported moderate to high satisfaction with the intervention, though qualitative analysis revealed implementation challenges, particularly with the contemplative component, alongside benefits including enhanced calm, increased awareness, and deeper nature connection.
Conclusions: Nature-based contemplation represents an acceptable intervention with promising short-term effects on multiple well-being dimensions. However, further refinement is needed to optimize sustainability and long-term effectiveness in promoting spiritual well-being, particularly simplifying contemplative instructions and enhancing session variety. Preregistration This study is not preregistered.
Comparable studies
Other non-randomized and open-label trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Relation to Quality of Life, Mood, Symptoms of Stress, and Immune Parameters in Breast and Prostate Cancer Outpatients Early-stage breast and prostate cancer patients | 2003 | Pre-post intervention study | n = 59 |
| Exploring self‐compassion and empathy in the context of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) Community sample | 2010 | Pre-post intervention study | |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Lowers Psychological Distress In Medical Students Second-year medical students | 2003 | Prospective nonrandomized cohort-controlled study | n = 302 |
| Intensive meditation training, immune cell telomerase activity, and psychological mediators. Retreat participants and matched controls | 2011 | Controlled trial with wait-list control group | n = 60 |
| The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training for Children with ADHD and Mindful Parenting for their Parents Children aged 8-12 with ADHD and their parents | 2011 | Within-group waitlist controlled trial | n = 22 |
Citations in the library
Cites 17
- Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation Perspectives on Psychological Science October 10, 2017
- Focused attention, open monitoring and loving kindness meditation: effects on attention, conflict monitoring, and creativity – A review Frontiers in Psychology September 23, 2014
- A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Nature-Based Mindfulness: Effects of Moving Mindfulness Training into an Outdoor Natural Setting International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health September 2, 2019
- Features of urban green spaces associated with positive emotions, mindfulness and relaxation Scientific Reports November 30, 2022
- A Framework for the Empirical Investigation of Mindfulness Meditative Development Mindfulness April 13, 2023
and 12 more in the library