Nature for Body Image (NBI)

University of Padova

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Interoception; Body Image; Self-Compassion; Eating Behaviors

Treatments: Behavioral: Nature for Body Image; Behavioral: Structured Built Environment Exposure; Behavioral: Simple nature exposure

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06960668

1216-a

Details and patient eligibility

About

Nature exposure has been found to be particularly beneficial for body image, as recent studies have identified a positive association between time spent in nature and positive body image. Positive body image, defined as the ability to accept and respect one's body, has been linked to greater life satisfaction and engagement in healthy behaviors. Conversely, negative body image is recognized as a public health concern due to its detrimental effects on both physical and mental health. It has been associated with symptoms of Body Image Disorders (BIDs), including Eating Disorders (EDs) and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).

The Nature for Body Image (NBI) project aimed to examine the impact of a structured nature exposure intervention on improving body image among young women aged 18-35 years.

Enrollment: 60 estimated patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18 to 35 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Females
• Age 18-35 years old

Exclusion criteria

• Full-blown body image disorder

Trial design

Primary purpose: Prevention

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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60 participants in 3 patient groups

Structured Nature Exposure

Experimental group

Description:

The structured nature exposure sessions will be conducted twice a week, each lasting 30 minutes. Activities will include meditation, body scans, and grounding exercises in a natural setting (e.g., in a public park).

Treatment:

Behavioral: Nature for Body Image

Simple Nature Exposure

Active Comparator group

Description:

The simple nature exposure sessions will take place twice a week, with each session lasting 30 minutes. During these sessions, participants will spend time in nature (e.g., in a public park) without receiving specific instructions or guidance.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Simple nature exposure

Structured Built Environment Exposure

Active Comparator group

Description:

The structured built environment sessions will consist of five 30-minute sessions, mirroring the activities of the structured nature exposure sessions, but conducted entirely in non-natural settings.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Structured Built Environment Exposure