Initial psychometric results measure 12 areas of wellbeing improvement
We began laying the foundations for a Forest Bathing+ study with Derby University in April 2019, with equipment tests, and defining the parameters for the following study.
In July 2019, we conducted our first funded study on the psychometric and physiological effects and benefits of Forest Bathing+. Studies and research like this allow us to give science-based evidence to something we already know – that spending time in nature brings tangible benefits.
We will be reporting on the full results of this study once all results are published and will produce a paper later in 2020.
We used Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Blood Pressure (BP) measurements.
We conducted 4 sessions around the 2019 University of Derby Nature connections conference. Each session involved 10-12 people with 8 people in each session wearing HRV monitors. (Please see below for the initial results).
Why Forest Bathing+ ?
We use the term Forest Bathing+, as the forest bathing we focus on, and used in the Derby trial, incorporates additional mindfulness elements than would be found in traditional Japanese Shinrin-Yoku.
Participants move slowly through woodland, stopping to observe surroundings using all of the senses, and engaging in slow relaxing breathing and mindfulness exercises.
Forest Bathing+ also focuses on the quality of the environment used, distinguishing between secondary and ancient woodland. Ancient Woodland has richer and more diverse flora and fauna to aid relaxation and recovery.
Finally, Forest Bathing+ is a comprehensive system that includes an additional training course to train our team to teach mindfulness. There are numerous benefits to attendees at our events from using this approach. One key example being that a thorough understanding of mindfulness allows our team to identify stress and tension, and offer attendees helpful tools.
The Study itself
The session lasted two hours, and was conducted in semi-ancient woodland in Derbyshire, and led by two qualified practitioners (Gary & Olga) from The Forest Bathing Institute who guided participants in mindful appreciation of woodland surroundings.
A snapshot of the initial Profile of Mood States (POMS) data is listed below, with more detail to follow in 2020 with the publication of the official paper in notable journals. We are thrilled to report how many different areas FB+ appears to assist.
Results
A repeated measures MANOVA (Multivariate Analysis of Variance) was used to assess any differences in participants scores between baseline and post-intervention.
There was a statistically significant difference in participant scores between baseline and post-intervention.
Participants scores improved on measures of:
- Safe and relaxed positive affect.
- Compassion for others and from others.
- Rumination on problems, and mood disturbance – notably depression, anger, tension, confusion and fatigue.
- Nature connection and pro-environmental attitudes.
The HRV data is still being processed for analysis and results will follow.
The above includes extracts and direct quotes from the study by Kirsten McEwan PHD, University of Derby Department of Psychology.
We hope to see the initial physiological results analysis in the first quarter of 2020 with the final paper published before the end of the year.
You can read an overview of 2019 on our blog pages, and more on our continued focus on science and research.
Wonderful results verifying that the positive impact of Forest Bathing+ in the UK replicates Dr Qing Li’s studies that Forest Bathing (known locally as Shinrin-Yoku) gives many wellbeing benefits in Japan.