Oxytocin Combined with Mindfulness and Nature Exposure Reduces Stress and Increases Connectedness in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot Study

Abstract

In recent years, mindfulness-based interventions for the treatment of schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) have yielded promising outcomes. Concurrently, growing evidence supports the mental health benefits of nature exposure, leading to increased interest in nature-based interventions. Nature connectedness—how strongly one feels connected to nature—is associated with improved well-being, particularly stress reduction. Research points toward a reciprocal relationship between mindfulness and nature connectedness, suggesting increased benefits of interventions combining them. Additionally, the neuropeptide oxytocin has gained attention for its potential in alleviating SSD symptomatology. This exploratory study examined the combined effects of mindfulness, nature, and oxytocin on SSD in the context of a mindfulness-based group therapy (MBGT) with a nature-focus. Forty-one (age range 24–64 years) participants with SSD were randomly allocated to two groups and received either intranasal oxytocin (24 I.U. Syntocinon®) or placebo 30 min before they underwent two 50-min MBGT sessions consisting of an introduction, mindfulness exercises, sharing and goal-setting. The Connectedness to Nature Scale (CNS), the Inclusion of Nature in Self Scale (INS) and visual analogue scales for stress were administered before and after sessions. ANCOVA revealed no significant between-group differences; however, within-subject analyses revealed significant increases in nature connectedness and reductions in stress in both groups. Additionally, increases in nature connectedness were significantly associated with reduced stress. While no significant differences were found between the MBGT modules (breathing vs. senses in nature), within-group analyses revealed significant improvements of more outcome measures after the nature-focused session. These findings offer preliminary support for integrating mindfulness, nature, and oxytocin in SSD treatment. Future research with larger samples is needed to clarify their individual and combined effects.