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NCT Number: NCT07368231

Forest Therapy and Mindfulness for Highly Sensitive Persons

This randomized, multicenter interventional study evaluates a combined forest therapy (shinrin-yoku) and mindfulness-based program in adults with high sensory-processing sensitivity confirmed using a validated instrument. Participants are randomized (1:1) to either a forest-based intervention or an active indoor sensory control condition. The intervention is delivered over approximately 22 weeks according to a predefined protocol, with assessments conducted at baseline and at the end of the intervention.

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Key information

Conditions

Stress (Psychology) Behavior Complementary Therapies Mind-Body Therapies Mindfulness Personal Satisfaction Preventive Medicine Psychological Well-Being Well-Being, Psychological

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

IFM International Forest Medicine, Ronda, Andalusia, Spain

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About this study

This is a multicenter, randomized, parallel-group interventional study in adults with high sensory-processing sensitivity confirmed using a validated instrument. Participants are randomized 1:1 to one of two study arms at study entry and remain in their assigned group for the duration of the study.

Intervention delivery is standardized across participating sites through facilitator training and a predefined session manual. The experimental arm consists of structured sessions conducted in forest environments and includes guided walking, mindfulness-based practices, and structured sensory awareness activities, with facilitated group reflection. The active comparator arm consists of structured indoor group activities designed to match the experimental arm in duration, group interaction, and facilitator contact, without exposure to forest or outdoor natural environments.

Study procedures and assessment schedules are predefined in the protocol and implemented in accordance with applicable ethical requirements and Good Clinical Practice guidelines.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Age 18 to 65 years
  • High sensory-processing sensitivity confirmed using a validated instrument (e.g., HSPS/Aron scale)
  • Able to perform moderate physical activity (e.g., walking)
  • Able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Severe psychiatric disorder or acute clinical instability
  • Medical condition contraindicating moderate physical activity
  • Use of medications with strong autonomic or neuroendocrine effects (e.g., high-dose systemic corticosteroids; selected beta-blockers)
  • Recent participation in a structured mindfulness or forest-therapy program
  • Pregnancy or unstable medical condition

Treatment and study plan

Forest Therapy + Mindfulness + Psychotherapy

Behavioral

Participants will undergo a approximately 22-week program with 4.5 hours weekly in forest settings. Each session includes:

A 2-hour guided walk with scheduled rest/hydration breaks

Mindfulness meditation (20-30 minutes)

Discussion/reflection segment (~20 minutes) for participants to express sensations, experiences, or doubts

A psychotherapeutic component focused on emotional processing and cognitive regulation

Sensory observation (5-10 minutes) of forest stimuli (olfactory, auditory, tactile, visual)

Post-session journaling capturing emotional and sensory feedback

Monitoring of environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, wind, estimated phytoncide levels)

Standardized facilitator training and session protocols to ensure consistency across sites

This protocol is distinguished by integrating forest immersion, mindfulness, psychotherapy, and sensory training in a unified intervention tailored for Highly Sensitive Persons (HSP).

Behavioral: Indoor Sensory Control (Art and Aromatherapy)

Behavioral

Structured indoor sensory-based group sessions delivered weekly over approximately 22 weeks. Activities include creative tasks, guided aromatherapy, and sensory-focused exercises conducted in indoor, non-forest environments. Sessions are designed to match the experimental intervention in duration, structure, facilitator contact, and social interaction, according to a predefined protocol.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Perceived Stress Score (PSS-10) From Baseline to End of Intervention

    Time frame: Baseline to end of intervention (approximately 22 weeks)

    Measure the difference in total score on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) between baseline and the end of the intervention. PSS-10 comprises 10 items scored 0-40, with higher scores indicating greater perceived stress.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Psychological Well-Being Score (WHO-5) From Baseline to End of Intervention

    Time frame: Baseline to end of intervention (approximately 22 weeks)

    Measure the difference in total score on the WHO-5 Well-Being Index between baseline and the end of the intervention. WHO-5 comprises 5 items scored 0-25, with higher scores indicating better well-being.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

IFM International Forest Medicine

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Forest Therapy and Mindfulness in Highly Sensitive Persons (HSP): A Multicenter Randomized Interventional Study Over Approximately 22 Weeks

Acronym: HSP-FOREST

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jan 26, 2026
Registry last updated
Jan 26, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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