Exploring how outdoor walks affect depression in college students
Benefits of a Nature Walk vs. an Urban Walk in Reducing Depressive Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Study Among College Students
This study is testing if walking outdoors in different settings, like urban areas or nature, can help college students feel less depressed.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Washington Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Seattle, Washington and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06989801 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to investigate the impact of outdoor walking in different environments—urban versus natural—on depressive symptoms among college students. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: an urban walk, a nature walk, or an active nature walk with guided prompts for engagement. Each participant will walk for 30 minutes, twice a week, over three weeks, while completing questionnaires and participating in interviews to assess changes in depressive symptoms and other related factors. The study will evaluate whether structured engagement during nature walks enhances the benefits compared to unstructured walks.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are college students in Seattle aged over 18 who are experiencing depressive symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients currently receiving clinical psychiatric treatment or psychological counseling may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide evidence that outdoor walking, particularly in natural settings, is an effective intervention for reducing depressive symptoms in college students.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with similar approaches, indicating that outdoor activities can improve mental health, though this specific comparison of environments is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * College students in Seattle * Aged over 18. * Having depressive symptoms with self-rated Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scored higher than 5. * Normal or corrected-to-normal visual acuity. * No identified hearing impairment. * No history of neurological or mental disorders. Exclusion Criteria: * Receiving clinical psychiatric treatment or psychological counseling. * Failing in providing consent form.
Where this trial is running
Seattle, Washington and 1 other locations
- Condon Hall — Seattle, Washington, United States (Recruiting)
- Merrill Hall — Seattle, Washington, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Xuanyi Wang — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Xuanyi Wang
- Email: wangxyi@uw.edu
- Phone: 206 843 7335
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.