NCT07821970

Brief Summary

This research project investigates the effects of a nature-based programme (Finding with Nature, FWN), on psychological well-being, functioning, and nature connectedness among older adults (65 and older) who provide care for their close one in Finland. The FWN programme combines nature exposure, physical activity, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) methods. The effects of the FWN programme are studied in a randomised controlled trial. The psychological well-being, functioning, and nature connectedness are investigated with self-report measures and analysed with quantitative methods. The results provide knowledge about the ability of nature-based, low-threshold methods to support older adults (65+) who provide care for their close one.

Trial Health

65
Monitor

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Enrollment
350

participants targeted

Target at P75+ for not_applicable

Timeline
17mo left

Started Sep 2026

Status
not yet recruiting

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

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Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

Study Progress5%
Sep 2026Mar 2028

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

September 3, 2026

Completed
4 days until next milestone

Study Start

First participant enrolled

September 7, 2026

Completed
9 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

September 16, 2026

Completed
1.5 years until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

March 1, 2028

Expected
Same day until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

March 1, 2028

Last Updated

September 17, 2026

Status Verified

September 1, 2026

Enrollment Period

1.5 years

First QC Date

September 3, 2026

Last Update Submit

September 16, 2026

Conditions

Psychological Well BeingPsychological FlexibilityNatured-informed TherapyPhysical FunctioningBurden, Caregiver

Keywords

Nature-based interventionPsychological well-beingAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Older caregiversNature connectednessPhysical functioning

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

  • Psychological well-being: the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS)

    7-item scale, range 7-35; higher scores indicate better mental well-being.

    Pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up.

Secondary Outcomes (12)

  • Caregivers' perceived coping as caregivers: COPE Index

    Pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up.

  • Functioning: the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0)

    Pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up.

  • Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit (ASCOT) SCT4

    Pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up.

  • Self-rated health: a single validated item

    Pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up.

  • Connectedness to nature: short version of Connectedness to Nature Scale (CNS)

    Pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up.

  • +7 more secondary outcomes

Other Outcomes (1)

  • Caregiver characteristics

    Pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up.

Study Arms (2)

Finding with Nature intervention

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants aged ≥65 years who are informal/family caregivers and living in Central Finland. Participants randomized to this arm will take part in a 6-week structured intervention program.

Behavioral: Finding with Nature Programme

No intervention

NO INTERVENTION

Participants aged ≥65 years who are informal/family caregivers and living in Central Finland. Participants randomized to this arm will continue their usual daily life without the study intervention during the 6-week follow-up period. After the follow-up, they will be offered the opportunity to participate in the intervention.

Interventions

Finding with Nature ProgrammeBEHAVIORAL

A 6-week nature-based program integrating physical activity in nature and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) methods to promote well-being, functioning, and nature connectedness. Delivered either in face-to-face groups or via an online platform, including guided sessions, independent exercises, informational content, and opportunities for peer support.

Finding with Nature intervention

Eligibility Criteria

Age65 Years+
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersNo
Age GroupsOlder Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

  • Age 65 years and older
  • Providing care for a close one, formally or informally
  • Able to communicate adequately in Finnish
  • Willingness to commit to a 6-week intervention programme

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Psychological Well-BeingCaregiver Burden

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Personal SatisfactionBehaviorStress, PsychologicalBehavioral Symptoms

Study Officials

  • Julija Chichaeva, MHS

    JAMK University Of Applied Sciences

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Julija Chichaeva, MHS

CONTACT

+358504628081julija.chichaeva@jamk.fi

Emmi Matikainen, PhD

CONTACT

+358504755530emmi.matikainen-tervola@jamk.fi

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
not applicable
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
NONE
Purpose
PREVENTION
Intervention Model
PARALLEL
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
PI Title
Researcher

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

September 3, 2026

First Posted

September 16, 2026

Study Start

September 7, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

March 1, 2028

Study Completion (Estimated)

March 1, 2028

Last Updated

September 17, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-09

Data Sharing

IPD Sharing
Will share

Anonymised quantitative data will be archived, where applicable, in the Finnish Social Science Data Archive (FSD).

Shared Documents
STUDY PROTOCOL, SAP, ICF, CSR