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

Summary

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

Interventions

OTHER

Increasing time in nature

This intervention includes requesting an increase in time spent outdoors, eligibility to receive a prize, and information on peer performance.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Cleveland State University

  collaborator OTHER

• Clemson University

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Virginia

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Maryland

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Maryland Eastern Shore

  collaborator OTHER

• Morgan State University

  collaborator OTHER

• University of New Mexico

  collaborator OTHER

• North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University

  collaborator OTHER

• REI Cooperative Action Fund

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Medical College of Wisconsin

  collaborator OTHER

• Michigan State University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

24 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-09-09

Primary Completion

2025-03-01

Completion

2025-03-01

Countries

• United States

Study Locations