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Practitioners’ Experiences of the Influence of Bonsai Art on Health

Author

Listed:
  • Caroll Hermann

    (Department of Psychology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3880, South Africa)

  • Stephen D Edwards

    (Department of Psychology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3880, South Africa)

Abstract

Bonsai art refers to the cultivation of a miniature tree. This study was motivated by the hypothesis that bonsai art may also be an ecopsychological, therapeutic practice that can have meaningful healing qualities. An international online survey elicited the meaning of bonsai art for 255 skilled bonsai practitioners. Questionnaires and interviews were used to elicit the experiences of participants. The findings supported the hypothesis that, for skilled practitioners, bonsai art was associated with meaningful healing experiences. In particular, the evidence suggests that bonsai art facilitates improved ecological, spiritual and emotional awareness, as well as various healing dimensions, including aesthetic creativity, resilience, adaptability, and social, physical, and personal health. It is viewed as an intervention technique that requires few resources, is easy to apply, and has a minimal impact on any environmental setting. The conclusions drawn point to the ethically sound health promotion value of bonsai art in various settings, such as psychiatric hospitals, retirement homes, rehabilitation centres and prisons.

Suggested Citation

  • Caroll Hermann & Stephen D Edwards, 2021. "Practitioners’ Experiences of the Influence of Bonsai Art on Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-13, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:6:p:2894-:d:515636
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Chorong Song & Harumi Ikei & Masahiro Nara & Daisuke Takayama & Yoshifumi Miyazaki, 2018. "Physiological Effects of Viewing Bonsai in Elderly Patients Undergoing Rehabilitation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-7, November.
    2. Hiroko Ochiai & Chorong Song & Harumi Ikei & Michiko Imai & Yoshifumi Miyazaki, 2017. "Effects of Visual Stimulation with Bonsai Trees on Adult Male Patients with Spinal Cord Injury," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-10, September.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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