A Multi-Country Study Assessing the Mechanisms of Natural Elements and Sociodemographics behind the Impact of Forest Bathing on Well-Being

Abstract

Interventions such as forest bathing (slow, mindful nature walks) have been shown to increase our connection to nature and be an effective intervention for improving health and well-being. However, there is variation in the activities delivered during forest bathing and the guidance given. Few researchers have evaluated which activities, elements of nature, and senses are responsible for improvements in well-being. The current evaluation addresses this gap and also monitors the emotional state and nature connection following guided forest bathing walks. Participants (N = 1142) across 35 countries completed post-walk evaluation surveys online. Results suggest that well-being and nature connection were rated very highly following forest bathing activities. Experiencing happy feelings and trusting emotions were especially highly rated. The natural elements perceived as contributing the most to well-being were sound-related elements. In terms of sociodemographics, women had higher well-being and nature connection ratings than men; ratings were higher in specialised nature resort areas, with little difference between natural and urban park areas; higher scores were seen in the southern hemisphere and during hot or long-day seasons. This has implications for forest bathing, forest therapy, and nature-based training organisations and their guides who want to improve their method of intervention delivery, maximise well-being, and enhance nature connection.

A Three-Day Forest-Bathing Retreat Enhances Positive Affect, Vitality, Optimism, and Gratitude: An Option for Green-Care Tourism in Italy?

“…These results complement those obtained in single sessions of exposure to nature by also showing that all of the assessed well-being aspects increased. Previous research [5,[60][61][62][63] indeed considered only a few or found that only some aspects changed, not all. This would suggest that prolonged exposure to nature is more beneficial and can produce enduring advantages on health and well-being.…”

Demographic, Psychosocial, and Lifestyle-Related Characteristics of Forest Therapy Participants in Italy: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Survey

“…Most of the studies conducted thus far have focused on specific groups of healthy or sub-healthy adults to assess the effectiveness of this practice in enhancing psychophysical wellbeing [3,20,21]. Findings from larger studies conducted in other countries have indicated that, in general, females tend to derive greater psychological benefits from forest therapy compared to males [2,22]. This observation may help explain the higher participation rate of women in this outdoor activity within Italy.…”