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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07183917

"Forest Therapy and Mindfulness for Stress Reduction and Well-being in Highly Sensitive Persons (Pilot RCT)"

This study aims to evaluate the effects of Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Forest Medicine interventions on psychological well-being, stress reduction, and overall health outcomes in adults. Shinrin-Yoku, originated in Japan, is a nature-based practice that involves mindful immersion in forest environments. The intervention combines exposure to natural ecosystems with evidence-based techniques such as mindfulness and guided relaxation.

Participants will be guided through structured sessions in natural forest settings to assess changes in stress biomarkers, emotional regulation, sleep quality, and quality of life. The study is designed as a non-pharmacological, non-invasive intervention, focusing on promoting mental health and preventive medicine.

The findings are expected to provide evidence on the benefits of Forest Medicine as a complementary health approach and contribute to the development of international standards for nature-based therapies.

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Key information

Conditions

Behavior Personal Satisfaction Psychological Well-Being

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Sessions conducted in natural forest settings within the Serranía de Ronda, specifically the Valle del Genal area.

Ronda, Andalusia, 29492, Spain

About this study

The present study investigates the therapeutic potential of Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Forest Medicine interventions as structured nature-based health practices. Originating in Japan during the 1980s, Shinrin-Yoku has gained recognition worldwide for its reported psychological and physiological benefits. This research seeks to contribute to the scientific evidence supporting these interventions as complementary approaches in preventive and integrative medicine.

Participants will attend guided sessions in natural forest environments. Each session will include periods of mindful walking, sensory awareness exercises, and guided relaxation. No pharmacological or invasive procedures are involved. Outcome measures include validated psychological scales (e.g., stress, anxiety, depression, quality of life), as well as physiological indicators such as heart rate variability and sleep quality.

The study design follows an interventional model focusing on mental health and wellness promotion. Data collection will be conducted before, during, and after the intervention period to assess both immediate and sustained effects.

This project is intended to support the integration of Forest Medicine into broader health strategies, aligning with international research efforts in preventive care, psychosomatic health, and nature-based therapeutic modalities. The study also aims to establish standards for training and best practices in forest-based health interventions across Europe and beyond.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Adults aged 18 to 65 years.
  • Self-identified as Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) with a score ≥70 on the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSP-SC).
  • Able to attend weekly sessions for 8 consecutive weeks.
  • Willing to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

  • Current diagnosis of severe psychiatric disorder (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder not stabilized).
  • Current substance abuse or dependence.
  • Severe cardiovascular, respiratory, or mobility limitations preventing safe participation in outdoor walking or relaxation exercises.
  • Participation in another clinical intervention study during the same period.

Treatment and study plan

Forest Therapy and Mindfulness

Behavioral

Weekly 2-hour guided sessions for 8 consecutive weeks in natural forest environments. Each session includes mindful walking, multisensory awareness (sight, sound, smell, touch), breathing exercises, and guided relaxation practices. Facilitated by certified Forest Therapy and Mindfulness instructors. The intervention is non-invasive, focused on stress reduction, emotional regulation, and improved subjective well-being through mindful immersion in nature.

Indoor Wellness Control

Behavioral

Weekly 2-hour structured sessions for 8 consecutive weeks conducted indoors (classroom or wellness center). Activities include health education talks on stress and wellness, guided music-based relaxation, and eco-friendly culinary tasting experiences. Designed to provide an active comparator condition controlling for attention, group interaction, and wellness-related content without exposure to forest environments or formal mindfulness practices.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Perceived Stress (PSS-10)

    Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (end of intervention)

    Mean change in Perceived Stress Scale (10-item version, validated questionnaire) scores from baseline to 8 weeks.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

IFM International Forest Medicine

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Forest Therapy and Mindfulness for Stress Reduction and Well-being in Highly Sensitive Persons: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

Acronym: HSP-FOREST

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Sep 19, 2025
Registry last updated
Sep 19, 2025

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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