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A Qualitative Study Comparing Mindfulness and Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing): Practitioners’ Perspectives

Author

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  • Fiona J. Clarke

    (School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK)

  • Yasuhiro Kotera

    (Human Sciences Research Centre, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1GB, UK)

  • Kirsten McEwan

    (College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1GB, UK)

Abstract

The boundary between mindfulness and forest bathing, two conceptually related therapies, is unclear. Accordingly, this study reports the strengths and challenges, similarities and differences, and barriers and facilitators for both. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven trained and experienced practitioners of both mindfulness and forest bathing. Reflexive thematic analysis revealed four main themes: (i) differences between the approaches; (ii) the benefits of forest bathing; (iii) biophilia through forest bathing; and (iv) inward versus outward attentional focus as a distinction between the approaches. Both practices were found to benefit well-being, but practitioners revealed key barriers to mindfulness. For vulnerable groups experiencing mental health challenges or difficulties achieving a meditative state, mindfulness may introduce well-being risks. By offering a gentler, more intuitive approach that encourages outward attentional focus, forest bathing was found to overcome this barrier. Forest bathing is suitable for all groups, but adaptations are recommended for those expressing fear or discomfort in forested environments. The findings inform how to position both approaches in practice, as a first step towards social prescribing recommendations. Wider implications concern forest bathing’s potential to impact environmental well-being. Future research must garner comparative data, involve young people, and explore the feasibility of a forest bathing social prescription.

Suggested Citation

  • Fiona J. Clarke & Yasuhiro Kotera & Kirsten McEwan, 2021. "A Qualitative Study Comparing Mindfulness and Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing): Practitioners’ Perspectives," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-17, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:12:p:6761-:d:575308
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kirsten McEwan & David Giles & Fiona J. Clarke & Yasu Kotera & Gary Evans & Olga Terebenina & Lina Minou & Claire Teeling & Jaskaran Basran & Wendy Wood & Dominic Weil, 2021. "A Pragmatic Controlled Trial of Forest Bathing Compared with Compassionate Mind Training in the UK: Impacts on Self-Reported Wellbeing and Heart Rate Variability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-19, January.
    2. Aaron R. Brough & James E. B. Wilkie & Jingjing Ma & Mathew S. Isaac & David Gal, 2016. "Is Eco-Friendly Unmanly? The Green-Feminine Stereotype and Its Effect on Sustainable Consumption," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 43(4), pages 567-582.
    3. Yasuhiro Kotera & Melinda Lyons & Katia Correa Vione & Briony Norton, 2021. "Effect of Nature Walks on Depression and Anxiety: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-17, April.
    4. Andrew Howell & Holli-Anne Passmore & Karen Buro, 2013. "Meaning in Nature: Meaning in Life as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Nature Connectedness and Well-Being," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 14(6), pages 1681-1696, December.
    5. Agnès Patuano, 2020. "Biophobia and Urban Restorativeness," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-23, May.
    6. Sandra Rousseau & Nick Deschacht, 2020. "Public Awareness of Nature and the Environment During the COVID-19 Crisis," Environmental & Resource Economics, Springer;European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 76(4), pages 1149-1159, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kirsten McEwan & Vanessa Potter & Yasuhiro Kotera & Jessica Eve Jackson & Sarah Greaves, 2022. "‘This Is What the Colour Green Smells Like!’: Urban Forest Bathing Improved Adolescent Nature Connection and Wellbeing," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-12, November.
    2. Yasuhiro Kotera & Holly Young & Sarah Maybury & Muhammad Aledeh, 2022. "Mediation of Self-Compassion on Pathways from Stress to Psychopathologies among Japanese Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-11, September.
    3. Elisa Menardo & Donatella Di Marco & Sara Ramos & Margherita Brondino & Alicia Arenas & Patricia Costa & Carlos Vaz de Carvalho & Margherita Pasini, 2022. "Nature and Mindfulness to Cope with Work-Related Stress: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-16, May.

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