A newly published study from Westminster College sheds light on how combining time in nature with mindfulness practices can meaningfully improve emotional well-being.

The research, “Nature-Based Therapy: Exploring the Processes That Foster Change,” was published online on April 11 in the journal Behavioral Sciences and will appear in a forthcoming special issue on nature therapy—“The Effects of Nature Therapy on Affective and Cognitive Functioning”—guest edited by Dr. Jessica D. Rhodes, associate professor of psychology and neuroscience at Westminster. The study reflects a collaborative, interdisciplinary effort involving faculty and undergraduate student researchers. 

Led by Rhodes and Dr. Helen M. Boylan, professor of environmental science in the Harms Center for the Environment, the study brought together perspectives from psychology and environmental science to examine the effects of nature-based practices. During their undergraduate years, Westminster graduates Braden Minteer ’22, Sophia Galietta ’24 and Emma Little ’25 played key roles throughout the research process, including study design, data collection and facilitating participant experiences.

The study examined how spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness or combining both influences mood and cognitive functioning. Key findings show that spending time in nature or practicing mindfulness reduced negative mood, while only their combination significantly increased positive mood.

“These findings help us better understand how and why nature-based experiences impact mental health in positive ways,” said Rhodes. “Our research demonstrates that nature can quiet the negative, but mindfulness in nature seems to awaken the positive. Simply being outdoors helps people feel less distressed, but actively engaging with the natural environment in a mindful way appears to be what helps people feel genuinely better.”

Boylan emphasized the importance of the project’s collaborative model.  “This project shows what’s possible when students are meaningfully engaged in research that crosses disciplines,” she said. “Students weren’t just learning about science. They were actively contributing to new knowledge that connects time spent in nature with human well-being.”

The research was supported by internal funding from Westminster College, including the Watto Faculty Development Award and the Drinko Center for Undergraduate Research.

Beyond its academic contributions, the study has practical implications for education, mental health and community programming. The findings suggest that simple mindfulness practices could be integrated into parks, campuses and community spaces to support emotional resilience and well-being.

For more information, please contact Rhodes at rhodesjd@westminster.edu.

Pictured above, Dr. Jessica Rhodes, left, and Dr. Helen Boylan.

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