Forest bathing as a nature-based intervention for adolescent psychological wellbeing: A systematic review

Introduction: Despite growing evidence base demonstrating the psychological benefits of forest bathing, research with adolescent populations is limited. In the context of worsening adolescent mental health, this systematic review seeks to determine the efficacy of forest bathing on adolescent psychological wellbeing, with implications for occupational therapy practice. Methods: Six databases were systematically searched, and eight papers that met the inclusion criteria were included for analysis. Relevant quantitative findings were extracted from the papers. A narrative synthesis was employed to guide the presentation of results due to the heterogeneity of the articles. Results: Psychological outcome measures were grouped into four themes: a reduction in depression and anxiety, improvements in mental state, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships. Forest bathing varies across session length, frequency, facilitation, and location and was distinguished as either short or long duration. Conclusion: The findings of this systematic review provide support for forest bathing as a meaningful occupation to promote psychological wellbeing for adolescents. The findings offer guidance to occupational therapists to inform therapeutic interventions. However, further high-quality, controlled research is needed, particularly involving clinical populations, and should explore the qualitative and longitudinal effects of forest bathing.