This study tests whether a nature photography intervention can improve mental well-being and nature connectedness in young adults with mild emotional distress, and examines self-compassion as a key mechanism in this process. Participants are randomized to a nature photography group, a human-made object photography group , or a group receiving a stress management handbook. Eight photography tasks are delivered through a mobile platform. Outcomes are assessed at baseline, mid-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up.
This is a three-arm randomized controlled trial examining whether nature-based photography improves mental well-being and nature connectedness among young adults with mild emotional distress. Participants are randomized to a nature photography intervention, an active control completing human-made object photography, or a control group receiving a stress management handbook. The intervention runs for 16 days and comprises eight structured photography sessions. The primary outcomes are depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7) symptoms at post-intervention. Secondary outcomes include nature connectedness, self-compassion, positive and negative affect, meaning in life, and life satisfaction, assessed at baseline, mid-intervention, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up. Changes in self-compassion, mindfulness, and nature connectedness are examined as hypothesized mechanisms of the intervention effect.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
300
Photography Participants complete an 8-session, 16-day nature-based photography intervention delivered through a WeChat mini-program (one session every two days). Each session includes a guided photography theme focused on natural elements, mindfulness and self-compassion prompts, and expressive writing, followed by optional peer support (viewing, liking, and commenting on group members' photographs) and personalized AI-assisted supportive feedback at the end of the session. The intervention is designed to improve mental well-being and strengthen nature connectedness through structured engagement with natural environments.
Participants complete an 8-session, 16-day photography intervention delivered through a WeChat mini-program, matched to the intervention group on schedule and task structure, but photographing everyday human-made objects (e.g., study tools, architectural details, furniture). Each session includes expressive writing; no nature-focused prompts, peer interaction, or AI-assisted feedback are provided. This condition controls for photography behavior, app engagement, and task contact without the nature exposure or self-compassion components.
Participants receive a self-guided digital stress management handbook over the 16-day intervention period, covering five structured modules: recognition of physical and emotional stress signals; structured energy and time management (goal decomposition, pomodoro technique, priority matrix); establishing healthy lifestyle routines (sleep hygiene, regular exercise, balanced diet); building interpersonal support networks; and accessing professional help and campus mental health resources. Participants read the handbook at their own pace without photography tasks or interactive components. This condition serves as an active comparator controlling for contact time and expectancy while excluding nature exposure and mindfulness-based self-compassion components.
Depressive Symptoms
Depressive Symptoms Change in depressive symptoms measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).The PHQ-9 consists of 9 items, with each item rated from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day). Higher scores indicate greater severity of depressive symptoms and represent a worse outcome.
Time frame: Baseline (T0), Post-intervention (T2, Day 16), and 1-month Follow-up (T3).
Anxiety Symptoms
Change in anxiety symptoms measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7).The GAD-7 consists of 7 items, with each item rated from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day).Higher scores indicate greater severity of anxiety symptoms and represent a worse outcome.
Time frame: Baseline (T0), Post-intervention (T2, Day 16), and 1-month Follow-up (T3).
Nature Connectedness
Change in connection with the natural environment measured by the Nature Connectedness Scale. Higher scores indicate greater nature connectedness and represent a better outcome.
Time frame: Baseline (T0), Post-intervention (T2, Day 16), and 1-month Follow-up (T3).
Self-Compassion
Change in self-compassion measured by the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). The scale rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (almost never) to 5 (almost always). Higher scores indicate greater self-compassion and represent a better outcome.
Time frame: Baseline (T0), Post-intervention (T2, Day 16), and 1-month Follow-up (T3).
Positive and Negative Affect
Change in emotional states measured by the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS).The PANAS rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (very slightly or not at all) to 5 (extremely). Higher Positive Affect scores indicate greater positive affect and represent a better outcome, whereas higher Negative Affect scores indicate greater negative affect and represent a worse outcome.
Time frame: Baseline (T0), Post-intervention (T2, Day 16), and 1-month Follow-up (T3)
Meaning in Life
Change in perceived meaning and purpose in life measured by the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). The MLQ rated on a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (absolutely untrue) to 7 (absolutely true).
Time frame: Baseline (T0), Post-intervention (T2, Day 16), and 1-month Follow-up (T3).
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