Roots and Shoots: A Pilot Parallel Randomised Controlled Trial Assessing the Feasibility and Acceptability of a...

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Research
• Environmental Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Depression is a significant public health issue, with traditional treatments sometimes insufficient.
• Nature contact is known to reduce stress and improve mood and overall wellbeing.
• Self-guided nature-based interventions (NBIs) offer a potential complementary approach to mental health care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a novel 4-week self-help NBI called "Roots and Shoots".
• To evaluate the intervention's impact on wellbeing, depressive symptoms, rumination, sleep, and nature relatedness.

Main Methods:

• A pilot two-armed randomised controlled trial with 47 participants.
• Randomisation to either the "Roots and Shoots" intervention or a waitlist control group.
• Measurement of wellbeing and secondary outcomes at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks.

Main Results:

• Participants reported high acceptability and satisfaction with the "Roots and Shoots" intervention.
• Preliminary findings suggest potential improvements in wellbeing.
• The intervention demonstrated feasibility and acceptability in this pilot phase.

Conclusions:

• The "Roots and Shoots" NBI appears feasible and acceptable for improving mental wellbeing.
• Further investigation in a larger clinical trial is warranted to confirm efficacy.
• NBIs represent a promising avenue for enhancing mental health support.