The physiological and psychosocial effects of forest therapy: A systematic review

Abstract

Studies have found that urban environments have a negative impact on physical and mental health. This is due to urban stressors such as increased noise levels, higher crime rates and rampant pollution. Moreover, living in building-dominant surroundings increases stress levels. There’s growing scientific evidence that forest therapy is a cost-effective method of stress management, and also has the ability to improve physical and mental wellbeing. The concept of forest therapy was first developed by the Japanese Forestry Agency in 1982, where it is known as “shinrin-yoku”. Over the years, there has been growing interest in forest therapy research. These studies usually focus on forest therapy’s effects on human health, from physiological and psychosocial perspectives, but there are also studies on its potential in treating specific illnesses such as hypertension and depression. By analysing current research frameworks, methodologies and research findings, we would gain a better insight and understanding of forest therapy; Allowing researchers, medical professionals and the general public to fully utilize this cost-effective form of preventative medicine. Therefore, the core objective of this review paper is to provide: a) An in-depth analysis of current forest therapy research, from physiological and psychosocial perspectives, b) To provide a systematic summary of current forest therapy research and c) To encourage healthcare professionals and the general public to fully utilize forest therapy as a form of preventive medicine. We reviewed current literature on forest therapy (2010–2020) using two electronic databases (ScienceDirect and PubMed), and selected 27 articles for this review. Based on the research data, we believe that forest therapy plays an important role in preventive medicine and stress management for all age groups. However, there is a need for more research on its sustained effects and for multi-disciplinary studies, especially with healthcare professionals.