The Effects of Walking in Nature (vs. an Urban Setting) on the Wellbeing of Postsecondary Students.

The Effects of Walking in Nature (vs. an Urban Setting) on the Wellbeing of Postsecondary Students.

The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to examine the effects of a walking intervention (3 walks per week for a period of 4 weeks) in a nature vs. urban setting on the wellbeing of young adult postsecondary students. We will examine changes in positive and negative affect for participants assigned to the nature condition vs those assigned to the urban condition (primary outcome). We will also examine changes in reported depression and anxiety symptoms, perceived stress levels, sleep quality, mindfulness and wellbeing (secondary outcome).

Inclusion Criteria:

• aged 18-25 years
• speaks English
• had working smartphone that can track walk routes using a smartphone application

Exclusion Criteria:

• inability to walk for 45 minutes due to serious medical reasons (eg surgery)
• heart condition