Key features for forest bathing development: A Q-methodology study applied in Italy

Sofia Baldessari, Alessandro Paletto, Giorgia Di Domenico, Valerio Di Stefano and Sandro Sacchelli
Additional contact information
Sofia Baldessari: Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Forestry and Wood, Trento, Italy
Alessandro Paletto: Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Forestry and Wood, Trento, Italy
Giorgia Di Domenico: Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Forestry and Wood, Rome, Italy
Valerio Di Stefano: Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Forestry and Wood, Rome, Italy
Sandro Sacchelli: Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Florence, Italy

Journal of Forest Science, 2025, vol. 71, issue 7, 347-357

Abstract: Forest bathing is gaining attention for its health and well-being benefits, leading to growing interest among academics, policymakers, and practitioners. While most studies have focused on its physiological and psychological effects, less is known about how different stakeholders perceive the characteristics that make forest bathing effective and meaningful. This study explored expert and non-expert perspectives on forest bathing in Italy through the Q-methodology, aiming to identify shared and divergent views on key aspects such as site features, accessibility, and perceived benefits. The results highlighted four distinct viewpoints: a scientific-health-oriented perspective emphasising medical efficacy (mainly experts); a preference for more naturalness and ecological integrity (mainly non-experts); a possible socio-economic opportunity (mainly non-experts); and a preference for a more managed forest environment with supporting structures (mainly experts). Despite differences, consensus emerged on several points, including the cultural and physical relevance of forest bathing and the importance of inclusive accessibility while preserving low-impact environments. The findings highlighted the potential of Q-methodology to capture the plurality of stakeholder voices, offering a basis for more inclusive planning and policy development in the context of nature-based well-being initiatives.

Keywords: experts; non-experts; opinions and points of view; Shinrin-yoku; survey (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
http://jfs.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/37/2025-JFS.html (text/html)
http://jfs.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/37/2025-JFS.pdf (application/pdf)
free of charge

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:caa:jnljfs:v:71:y:2025:i:7:id:37-2025-jfs

DOI: 10.17221/37/2025-JFS

Access Statistics for this article

Journal of Forest Science is currently edited by Mgr. Ilona Procházková

More articles in Journal of Forest Science from Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Ivo Andrle ().