Nature IDEAS Study: an RCT to Increase Time Spent in Nature Among University Students

Description

This project will first examine nature opportunities, belonging and benefits with a multi-state nature-based intervention with a focus on students of color. In light of the syndemic, 'nature deficit disorder' and poor mental health, the investigators anticipate several far-reaching impacts that will (a) test a nationally useful standardized way to quantify exposure; (b) invest in nature resources and accessibility on campuses; and (c) promote the mental health and therapeutic benefits of nature among young adults. These will lead to understanding the nature exposure and mental health interplay and techniques for quantifying and encouraging nature exposure to treat the on-going youth mental health crisis. Including HBCUs and an hispanic-serving institution is expected to result in heightened visibility of underlying disparities, including structural racism and land-based violence and discrimination, that have contributed to current-day nature gaps and dismantled nature relationships for students of color.

Conditions

Mental Health

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

This project will first examine nature opportunities, belonging and benefits with a multi-state nature-based intervention with a focus on students of color. In light of the syndemic, 'nature deficit disorder' and poor mental health, the investigators anticipate several far-reaching impacts that will (a) test a nationally useful standardized way to quantify exposure; (b) invest in nature resources and accessibility on campuses; and (c) promote the mental health and therapeutic benefits of nature among young adults. These will lead to understanding the nature exposure and mental health interplay and techniques for quantifying and encouraging nature exposure to treat the on-going youth mental health crisis. Including HBCUs and an hispanic-serving institution is expected to result in heightened visibility of underlying disparities, including structural racism and land-based violence and discrimination, that have contributed to current-day nature gaps and dismantled nature relationships for students of color.

Nature Dose Equity for Students

Nature IDEAS Study: an RCT to Increase Time Spent in Nature Among University Students

Condition
Mental Health
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Baltimore

Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21251

College Park

University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States, 20742

Salisbury

University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Salisbury, Maryland, United States, 21804

East Lansing

Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States, 48824

Albequerque

University of New Mexico, Albequerque, New Mexico, United States, 87131

Greensboro

North Carolina A&T University, Greensboro, North Carolina, United States, 27411

Cleveland

Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States, 44115

Clemson

Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States, 29631

Charlottesville

University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States, 22902

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Undergraduate student
  • * 18-24 years of age
  • * Lives within 30 miles of university campus
  • * Not an undergraduate student
  • * Under 18 or over 24 years of age
  • * Lives \> 30 miles from the university campus

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 24 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

Michigan State University,

Study Record Dates

2025-11-30