Forest Therapy and Mindfulness for Highly Sensitive Persons

Summary

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.

Conditions

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

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Forest Therapy + Mindfulness + Psychotherapy

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

Behavioral: Indoor Sensory Control (Art and Aromatherapy)

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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• IFM International Forest Medicine

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Ana I Sánchez Hdz · IFM International Forest Medicine

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-05-01

Primary Completion

2025-10-03

Completion

2025-10-03

Countries

• Spain

Study Locations