Nature prescription: can outdoor time ease student stress?

NCT ID NCT06633367

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Michigan State University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study looked at whether encouraging college students to spend more time outdoors improves their mental health. Over 1,500 students aged 18-24 from multiple universities, including historically Black and Hispanic-serving institutions, took part. Researchers measured distress, worry, and mood to understand how nature exposure can help address the youth mental health crisis.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: increasing time in nature
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that simple nature exposure programs improve mental health and reduce disparities among college students.
What could go wrong: This is a completed observational study, not a treatment trial. Results may not apply broadly, and the intervention is minimal (encouraging outdoor time).

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Psychological Well-Being

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MENTAL HEALTH

Contacts and locations

Locations

Clemson University

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

Cleveland, Ohio, 44115, United States
Michigan State University

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

Baltimore, Maryland, 21251, United States
North Carolina A&amp;T University

Greensboro, North Carolina, 27411, United States
University of Maryland

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

Salisbury, Maryland, 21804, United States
University of New Mexico

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

Charlottesville, Virginia, 22902, United States

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