Group Nature-Based Mindfulness Interventions: Nature-Based Mindfulness Training for College Students with Anxiety
L. Vitagliano, Kelly L. Wester, Connie T. Jones, David L. Wyrick, A. Vermeesch
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2023 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021451 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Education |
| Key points | Argues that intentionally integrating mindfulness and nature through Attention Restoration Theory in a group intervention (Nature-Based Mindfulness Training) can effectively and sustainably reduce anxiety among college students. |
Abstract
The mental health crisis across college campuses is accelerating, with anxiety listed as the top mental health issue for undergraduate college students. Although evidence suggests the COVID-19 pandemic escalated the mental health crisis on college campuses, pre-COVID-19 anxiety among college students was on the rise. Research supports Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBIs) to reduce anxiety among college students. Additionally, exposure to natural environments, which are accessible to students on college campuses, is effective in reducing anxiety. While brief nature-based mindfulness interventions appear effective in reducing anxiety among college students, these interventions are often offered in isolation without social interaction among group members and lack intentional integration of mindfulness and nature-related theories. The purpose of this work is to describe a framework for integrating the use of Mindfulness and Attention Restoration Theory (ART) in an innovative psychoeducational group intervention, Nature-Based Mindfulness Training © (NBMT), for college students with anxiety. In conclusion, we argue for the need to intentionally integrate mindfulness and nature into nature-based mindfulness interventions as an effective and sustainable means to reduce anxiety. Limitations and areas for future research are described.
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Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- From connection to conservation: Nature‐based mindfulness as a pathway to pro‐environmental behaviors Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being September 9, 2026
- The feasibility of a two-day intensive forest therapy incorporating mindfulness practices for natural disaster-affected individuals: a brief report Frontiers in Psychology June 20, 2025
- The Impact of Integrating Mindfulness in the Classroom on Well-Being and Academic Success Among College Students During COVID-19 and Beyond The social science March 31, 2025
- The 'take-5 theatre brief': Group mindfulness practice for operating theatre teams. The clinical teacher August 2024
- Nature-Based Mindfulness: A Qualitative Study of the Experience of Support for Self-Regulation. Healthcare March 21, 2023
and 1 more in the library
Cites 15
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and 10 more in the library