Look at the Bright (Nature) Side: Improving Body Image and Protective Factors and Reducing Body Image Threats With the Nature for Body Image Project

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how spending time in nature affects body image among young women aged 18 to 35 years. The study focuses on improving positive body image, which means accepting and respecting one's body, and reducing negative body image linked to disorders like eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder. This research aims to understand if structured nature activities can support healthier body image and related well-being factors. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a structured nature exposure group, a simple nature exposure group, or a structured built environment group. The structured nature group will engage in guided activities such as meditation, body scans, and grounding exercises in a natural setting twice a week for 30 minutes each session. The simple nature group will spend the same amount of time in nature without specific instructions. The built environment group will perform the same structured activities but in non-natural settings. During the 5-week study, participants will be assessed on negative body image, body appreciation, and functionality appreciation as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes include eating behaviors, embodiment, interoceptive awareness, and self-compassion. The study will monitor how these measures change over time to see the impact of different environments and activities on body image and related psychological factors.

Nature for Body Image