RESEARCH

A comparative study of the physiological and psychological effects of forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) on working age people with and without depressive tendencies

This study examined forest bathing’s impact on working-age individuals, revealing that both those with and without depressive tendencies experienced reduced blood pressure and improved mood after a forest bathing session. Notably, those with depressive tendencies showed significantly greater improvements in mood, suggesting forest bathing has a particularly positive effect on mental health for this group.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Mental Health Challenges/Trauma, General Population, Burnout/Workplace Stress

Setting or Context: Natural Areas/Parks/Forest

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Stress Management

Allied Profession Intersections: Forest/Ecotherapy

Type of Activity: Forest/Natural Area Immersion

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Metrics for Physical Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Standardized Assessment Tools

Research Source: Academic Journals

Access: Free

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Summary

This study examined the physiological and psychological effects of forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) on working-age people with and without depressive tendencies. Researchers conducted physiological measurements (blood pressure, pulse rate, autonomic functions) and psychological surveys (Profile of Mood States – POMS) before and after participants engaged in a day-long forest bathing session at a forest therapy base. Participants were classified into groups with depressive tendencies (K6 score of 5-12) and without (K6 score < 5) based on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6).

The results indicated that all participants experienced significant decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and negative POMS items after forest bathing. Individuals with depressive tendencies showed significantly greater improvements in POMS items compared to those without depressive tendencies, reducing the differences between the two groups. The study concluded that forest bathing has positive effects on mental health, particularly for those with depressive tendencies.

Link

Furuyashiki, A., Tabuchi, K., Norikoshi, K., et al. (2019). A comparative study of the physiological and psychological effects of forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) on working age people with and without depressive tendencies. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 24, 46.

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