Examining the effectiveness of mindfulness practice in simulated and actual natural environments: Secondary data analysis

Abstract

This study compared mindfulness practice outcomes retrieved from the authors’ earlier studies in simulated and actual natural environments. We found that both simulated and actual natural environments boosted these outcomes. However, the actual natural environment was associated with larger decreases in stress and greater increases in nature connectedness than the simulated natural environment. The findings evidence the potential value of simulated as well as actual natural environments as settings for the enhancement of the delivery of health care and complementary therapeutic programmes. Whilst actual natural environments are most effective, the development and use of simulated natural environments may support groups who would for mobility or other reasons have difficulty in accessing a natural environment.