Abstract
Forest recreation is an activity that could be successfully used to alleviate negative symptoms of stress in individuals. Multiple positive psychological and physiological effects have been described in the literature, especially regarding works describing research from Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. In East-Central Europe, however, the effectuality of forest recreation has not been addressed in scientific research. Thus, a special recreation program was developed, and its usability was examined with the involvement of 21 young Polish adults. A pre- and post-test design was used, wherein four psychological questionnaires were applied (Profile of Mood States, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Restorative Outcomes Scale, Subjective Vitality Scale), and physiological measures were assessed (pulse rate, blood pressure) before and after the program. A field study was also conducted at the nature reserve Redykajny, near the suburban forest of the city of Olsztyn. The recreational program had a significant impact on psychological and physiological parameters. After recreation, the negative mood markers of the negative affect decreased and the positive affect, including restoration and vitality, increased. Furthermore, pulse rates, systolic blood pressures, and mean arterial pressures of the participants were significantly lower after the program. These results reveal that the short forest recreation program may be effective in reducing negative symptoms of stress.
Highlights
Recreation is a wholesome activity undertaken for pleasure, as well as any action that refreshes the mental attitude of an individual [1]
There was a significant decrease in four negative mood states of the POMS scale after the program, including confusion (t = 2.392, p < 0.05), anger or hostility (t = 2.838, p < 0.05), tension or anxiety (t = 3.185, p < 0.01), and depression or dejection (t = 2.823, p < 0.05)
The results showed that participants’ levels of negative mood and negative affect significantly decreased after the program, whereas components of their positive affect—restoration and vitality—increased
Summary
Recreation is a wholesome activity undertaken for pleasure, as well as any action that refreshes the mental attitude of an individual [1]. Forest recreation aimed at improving physical and mental health, as well as reducing stress, is called “forest therapy” Shinrin-Yoku) [2,3] This type of forest recreation is well known in Japan and in some other Asian countries, where it is practiced as a remedy for problems induced by stress [4]. The importance of forest therapy in these countries is high, as shown by the multiplicity of organizations involving individuals. To achieve a broad range of effects on health improvements in practice, researchers have developed different “forest recreation programs”. The effects of these programs on humans have been tested for short-term, middle-term, and long-term scenarios. One short recreation program (a few minutes) had a positive influence on mood states and on the cardiovascular relaxation of Japanese participants [5]
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