Wei Hong
International College, Krirk University, Bangkok 10220, Thailand
Siyu Zhu
Jinshen College of Nanjing Audit University, Nanjing 210000, China
Donghui Lu
School of Economics and Management, Guangdong Technology College, Zhaoqin 526000, China
Chiowa Ieong
Dragon Seal Guangdong-Hongkong-Macao Greater Bay Area Investment and Development Company, Macao SAR 999078, China
Human interaction with natural environments is gaining increasing attention in environmental sciences as research consistently shows that access to green spaces, clean air, and biodiversity plays a crucial role in enhancing physical health, reducing stress, and improving overall well-being. This study conducts a bibliometric and visualization-based analysis of forest therapy research, emphasizing its physiological and psychological benefits. Using the Web of Science database, we identified and analyzed 414 studies from 1998 to 2023. Through CiteSpace and VOSviewer, we mapped these documents to examine research trends, publication networks, leading scholars and institutions, key journals, and thematic evolution. Findings indicate that forest therapy research is predominantly concentrated in East Asia, North America, Australia, and Europe, with strong collaborative networks among authors and institutions. The concentration of publications, research evolution, and keyword trends reflect the development of forest therapy research. The analysis further identifies sixteen research clusters and discusses two research themes: physiological and psychological effects. By analyzing how the natural environment contributes to human well-being, we provide a comprehensive and visually structured understanding of forest therapy as an intersection of environmental science, public health and well-being, and ecosystem conservation. Our findings offer a new perspective for future interdisciplinary research, emphasizing the need for well-designed clinical trials to substantiate forest therapy’s diverse health effects and its role in promoting sustainable interactions between human societies and natural environments.
[1] City Forum, 2023. Urban Living: Benefits of residing in a city. Available from: https://www.citiesforum.org/news/urban-living-benefits-of-residing-in-a-city/ (cited 10 March 2024).
[2] Zhang, Z., Zhao, M., Zhang, Y., et al., 2023. How does urbanization affect public health? New evidence from 175 countries worldwide. Frontiers in Public Health. 10, 1096964. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1096964
[3] An, B.Y., Wang, D., Liu, X.J., et al., 2019. The effect of environmental factors in urban forests on blood pressure and heart rate in university students. Journal of Forest Research. 24(1), 27–34. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13416979.2018.1540144
[4] Sass, V., Kravitz-Wirtz, N., Karceski, S.M., et al., 2017. The effects of air pollution on individual psychological distress. Health & Place. 48, 72–79. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2017.09.006
[5] Mucci, N., Traversini, V., Lorini, C., et al., 2020. Urban noise and psychological distress: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 17(18), 6621–6643. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186621
[6] Xu, J., Liu, N., Polemiti, E., et al., 2023. Effects of urban living environments on mental health in adults. Nature Medicine. 29(6), 1456–1467. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-023-02365-w
[7] Kruize, H., van Der Vliet, N., Staatsen, B., et al., 2019. Urban green space: creating a triple win for environmental sustainability, health, and health equity through behavior change. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 16(22), 4403–4425. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16224403
[8] Antonelli, M., Donelli, D., Maggini, V., et al., 2023. Demographic, Psychosocial, and Lifestyle-Related Characteristics of Forest Therapy Participants in Italy: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Survey. Healthcare. 11, 1627–1640. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11111627
[9] Hansen, M.M., Jones, R., Tocchini, K., 2017. Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) and nature therapy: A state-of-the-art review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 14(8), 851–899. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14080851
[10] Ideno, Y., Hayashi, K., Abe, Y., et al., 2017. Blood pressure-lowering effect of Shinrin-yoku (Forest bathing): a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 17, 1–12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-017-1912-z
[11] Kotera, Y., Richardson, M., Sheffield, D., 2022. Effects of Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy on Mental Health: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction. 20(1), 337–361. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-020-00363-4
[12] Lee, I., Choi, H., Bang, K.S., et al., 2017. Effects of Forest Therapy on Depressive Symptoms among Adults: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 14(3), 321–339. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14030321
[13] Song, C.R., Ikei, H., Kagawa, T., et al., 2019. Physiological and Psychological Effects of Viewing Forests on Young Women. Forests. 10(8), 625–638. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/f10080635
[14] Liu, Q.H., Wang, X.P., Liu, J.L., et al., 2021. Physiological and Psychological Effects of Nature Experiences in Different Forests on Young People. Forests. 12(10), 1391–1408. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/f12101391
[15] Shim, S.R., Chang, J.K., Lee, J.H., et al., 2022. Perspectives on the Psychological and Physiological Effects of Forest Therapy: A Systematic Review with a Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression. Forests. 13(12), 2029–2045. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/f13122029
[16] Zhang, Z.Y., Ye, B., 2022. Forest Therapy in Germany, Japan, and China: Proposal, Development Status, and Future Prospects. Forests. 13(8), 1289–1304. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/f13081289
[17] Lee, J.H., Park, J.S., Choi, S., 2020. Environmental influence in the forested area toward human health: incorporating the ecological environment into art psychotherapy. Journal of Mountain Science. 17(4), 992–1000. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-019-5774-3
[18] Takala, M., Ahl, A., 2014. Special education in Swedish and Finnish schools: seeing the forest or the trees? British Journal of Special Education. 41(1), 59–81. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8578.12049
[19] Guo, Y.M., Huang, Z.L., Guo, J., et al., 2021. A bibliometric analysis and visualization of blockchain. Future Generation Computer Systems. 116, 316–332. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.future.2020.10.023
[20] Donthu, N., Kumar, S., Mukherjee, D., et al., 2021. How to conduct a bibliometric analysis: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research. 133, 285–296. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.04.070
[21] Kabisch, N., van den Bosch, M., Lafortezza, R., 2017. The health benefits of nature-based solutions to urbanization challenges for children and the elderly–A systematic review. Environmental Research. 159, 362–373. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2017.08.004
[22] Kang, M.J., Kim, H.S., Kim, J.Y., 2022. Effects of Forest-Based Interventions on Mental Health: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 19(8), 4484–4497. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084884
[23] Park, S., Kim, E., Kim, G., et al., 2022. What Activities in Forests Are Beneficial for Human Health? A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 19(5), 2692–2717. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19052692
[24] Schafft, M., Wegner, B., Meyer, N., et al., 2021. Ecological impacts of water-based recreational activities on freshwater ecosystems: a global meta-analysis. Proceedings of the Royal Society B. 288, 20211623. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2021.1623
[25] Tsunetsugu, Y., Park, B.J., Miyazaki, Y., 2010. Trends in research related to "Shinrin-yoku"(taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing) in Japan. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine. 15, 27–37. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12199-009-0091-z
[26] Wolf, K.L., Lam, S.T., McKeen, J.K., et al., 2020. Urban Trees and Human Health: A Scoping Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 17(12), 4371–4401. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124371
[27] Yao, W.F., Zhang, X.F., Gong, Q., 2021. The effect of exposure to the natural environment on stress reduction: A meta-analysis. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. 57, 126932. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2020.126932
[28] Yau, K.K.Y., Loke, A.Y., 2020. Effects of forest bathing on pre-hypertensive and hypertensive adults: a review of the literature. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine. 25(1), 23–40. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12199-020-00856-7
[29] Yeon, P.S., Jeon, J.Y., Jung, M.S., et al., 2021. Effect of Forest Therapy on Depression and Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 18(23), 12685. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312685
[30] Antonelli, M., Donelli, D., Maggini, V., et al., 2022. Forest Exposure and Respiratory Function: A Literature Review. Proceedings of The 2nd International Electronic Conference on Forests—Sustainable Forests: Ecology, Management, Products and Trade; 1–15 September 2021; online (https://iecf2021.sciforum.net). Environmental Sciences Proceedings. 13(1), 16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/IECF2021-10782
[31] Song, C.R., Ikei, H., Miyazaki, Y., 2017. Sustained effects of a forest therapy program on the blood pressure of office workers. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. 27, 246–252. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2017.08.015
[32] Song, C.R., Ikei, H., Kagawa, T., Miyazaki, Y., 2020. Effect of Viewing Real Forest Landscapes on Brain Activity. Sustainability. 12(16), 6601–6611. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su12166601
[33] Ochiai, H., Ikei, H., Song, C., et al., 2015. Physiological and Psychological Effects of Forest Therapy on Middle-Aged Males with High-Normal Blood Pressure. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 12(3), 2532–2542. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph120302532
[34] Song, C.R., Ikei, H., Park, B.J., et al., 2020. Association between the Psychological Effects of Viewing Forest Landscapes and Trait Anxiety Level. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 17(15), 5479. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155479
[35] Li, Q., 2010. Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine. 15, 9–17. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12199-008-0068-3
[36] Li, Q., Morimoto, K., Kobayashi, M., et al., 2008. Visiting a forest, but not a city, increases human natural killer activity and expression of anti-cancer proteins. International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology. 21(1), 117–127. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/039463200802100113
[37] Li, Q., Ochiai, H., Ochiai, T., et al., 2022. Effects of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) on serotonin in serum, depressive symptoms and subjective sleep quality in middle-aged males. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine. 27(44), 1–8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1265/ehpm.22-00136
[38] Li, Q., Nakadai, A., Matsushima, H., et al., 2006. Phytoncides (wood essential oils) induce human natural killer cell activity. Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology. 28(2), 319–333. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08923970600809439
[39] Guan, H., Wei, H., He, X., et al., 2017. The tree-species-specific effect of forest bathing on perceived anxiety alleviation of young-adults in urban forests. Annals of Forest Research. 60(2), 327–341. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15287/afr.2017.897
[40] Mazzoleni, E., Donelli, D., Zabini, F., et al., 2024. Forest Therapy Research in Europe: A Scoping Review of the Scientific Literature. Forests. 15(5), 848–872. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050848
[41] Bielinis, E., Takayama, N., Boiko, S., et al., 2018. The effect of winter forest bathing on psychological relaxation of young Polish adults. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. 29, 276–283. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2017.12.006
[42] Bratman, G.N., Anderson, C.B., Berman, M.G., et al., 2019. Nature and mental health: An ecosystem service perspective. Science Advances. 5(7), eaax0903. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aax0903
[43] Berman, M.G., Jonides, J., Kaplan, S., 2008. The Cognitive Benefits of Interacting With Nature. Psychological Science. 19(12), 1207–1212. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02225.x
[44] Berman, M.G., Kross, E., Krpan, K.M., et al., 2012. Interacting with nature improves cognition and affect for individuals with depression. Journal of Affective Disorders. 140(3), 300–305. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2012.03.012
[45] Kaplan, R., Kaplan, S., 1989. The experience of nature: A psychological perspective. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, UK.
[46] Basu, A., Duvall, J., Kaplan, R., 2019. Attention Restoration Theory: Exploring the Role of Soft Fascination and Mental Bandwidth. Environment and Behavior. 51(9-10), 1055–1081. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0013916518774400
[47] Shin, W.S., Yeoun, P.S., Yoo, R.W., et al., 2010. Forest experience and psychological health benefits: the state of the art and future prospect in Korea. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine. 15(1), 38–47. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12199-009-0114-9
[48] Roviello, V., Gilhen-Baker, M., Vicidomini, C., et al., 2022. Forest-bathing and physical activity as weapons against COVID-19: a review. Environmental Chemistry Letters. 20(1), 131–140. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-021-01321-9
[49] Piva, G., Caruso, L., Gomez, A.C., et al., 2022. Effects of forest walking on physical and mental health in elderly populations: a systematic review. Reviews on Environmental Health. 1–16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/reveh-2022-0093
[50] D'Angelo, J., Ritchie, S.D., Oddson, B., et al., 2023. Using Heart Rate Variability Methods for Health-Related Outcomes in Outdoor Contexts: A Scoping Review of Empirical Studies. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 20(2), 1330–1349. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021330
[51] Park, B.J., Furuya, K., Kasetani, T., et al., 2011. Relationship between psychological responses and physical environments in forest settings. Landscape and Urban Planning. 102(1), 24–32. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2011.03.005
[52] Peterfalvi, A., Meggyes, M., Makszin, L., et al., 2021. Forest Bathing Always Makes Sense: Blood Pressure-Lowering and Immune System-Balancing Effects in Late Spring and Winter in Central Europe. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 18(4), 2067–2086. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18042067
[53] Lyu, B., Zeng, C., Xie, S., et al., 2019. Benefits of a three-day bamboo forest therapy session on the psychophysiology and immune system responses of male college students. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 16(24), 4991–4509. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16244991
[54] Park, K.H., 2022. Analysis of urban forest healing program expected values, needs, and preferred components in urban forest visitors with diseases: A pilot survey. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 19(1), 513. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010513
[55] Meneguzzo, F., Albanese, L., Antonelli, M., et al., 2021. Short-Term Effects of Forest Therapy on Mood States: A Pilot Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 18(18), 21–46. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189509
[56] Winter, P.L., Selin, S., Cerveny, L., et al., 2019. Outdoor recreation, nature-based tourism, and sustainability. Sustainability. 12(1), 81–93. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su12010081
[57] Shen, J.L., Hung, B.L., Fang, S.H., 2022. Horticulture therapy affected the mental status, sleep quality, and salivary markers of mucosal immunity in an elderly population. Scientific Reports. 12(1), 10246. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-14534-x
[58] Gaekwad, J.S., Sal Moslehian, A., Roös, P.B., et al., 2022. A Meta-Analysis of Emotional Evidence for the Biophilia Hypothesis and Implications for Biophilic Design. Frontiers in Psychology. 13, 750245. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.750245
[59] Chun, M.H., Chang, M.C., Lee, S.J., 2017. The effects of forest therapy on depression and anxiety in patients with chronic stroke. International Journal of Neuroscience. 127(3), 199–203. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3109/00207454.2016.1170015
[60] Chae, Y., Lee, S., Jo, Y., et al., 2021. The Effects of Forest Therapy on Immune Function. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 18(16), 8440–8457. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168440
[61] Tsao, T.M., Tsai, M.J., Hwang, J.S., et al., 2018. Health effects of a forest environment on natural killer cells in humans: An observational pilot study. Oncotarget. 9(23), 16501–16511. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.24741
[62] Nakau, M., Imanishi, J., Imanishi, J., et al., 2013. Spiritual Care of Cancer Patients by Integrated Medicine in Urban Green Space: a Pilot Study. Explore-the Journal of Science and Healing. 9(2), 87–90. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2012.12.002
[63] Zhu, Z.X., Zhao, X.K., OuYang, Q.Y., et al., 2021. Waterfall Forest Environment Regulates Chronic Stress via the NOX4/ROS/NF-kappa B Signaling Pathway. Frontiers in Neurology. 12, 619728. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2021.619728
[64] Park, B.J., Tsunetsugu, Y., Kasetani, T., et al., 2010. The physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku (taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing): evidence from field experiments in 24 forests across Japan. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine. 15(1), 18–26. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12199-009-0086-9
[65] Imamura, C., Sakakibara, K., Arai, K., et al., 2022. Effect of Indoor Forest Bathing on Reducing Feelings of Fatigue Using Cerebral Activity as an Indicator. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 19(11), 6672–6688. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116672
[66] Morita, E., Fukuda, S., Nagano, J., et al., 2007. Psychological effects of forest environments on healthy adults: Shinrin-yoku (forest-air bathing, walking) as a possible method of stress reduction. Public Health. 121(1), 54–63. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2006.05.024
[67] Toda, M., Den, R., Hasegawa-Ohira, M., et al., 2013. Effects of woodland walking on salivary stress markers cortisol and chromogranin A. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 21(1), 29–34. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2012.11.004
[68] Hammen, C., 2005. Stress and Depression. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology. 1, 293–319. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.clinpsy.1.102803.143938
[69] Yeon, P.S., Kim, I.O., Kang, S.N., et al., 2023. Effects of Urban Forest Therapy Program on Depression Patients. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 20, 507. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010507
[70] Hong, J., Park, S., An, M., 2021. Are Forest healing programs useful in promoting children's emotional welfare? The Interpersonal relationships of children in foster care. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. 59, 1–10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2021.127034
[71] Rogerson, M., Barton, J., 2015. Effects of the Visual Exercise Environments on Cognitive Directed Attention, Energy Expenditure and Perceived Exertion. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 12(7), 7321–7336. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph120707321
[72] Yu, C.P.S., Hsieh, H., 2020. Beyond restorative benefits: Evaluating the effect of forest therapy on creativity. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. 51, 126670. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2020.126670
[73] Khalil, R., Godde, B., Karim, A.A., 2019. The link between creativity, cognition, and creative drives and underlying neural mechanisms. Frontiers in Neural Circuits. 13, 18–34. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fncir.2019.00018
[74] Atchley, R.A., Strayer, D.L., Atchley, P., 2012. Creativity in the wild: improving creative reasoning through immersion in natural settings. PLoS One. 7(12), e51474. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0051474
[75] Billings, L., 2015. Does Science Need a Global Language? English and the Future of Research. Technology and Culture. 56, 261–263. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1353/tech.2015.0013
Copyright © 2025 Wei Hong, Siyu Zhu, Donghui Lu, Chiowa Ieong
This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.
