Advancing sustainable, evidence-based forest bathing in cancer care: A preliminary study

Abstract

Forest bathing, conceptualised as a cognitive, experiential and affective pathway supporting human well-being, has attracted increasing international attention. Although its psychological effects have frequently been assessed using the Profile of Mood States (POMS), research focusing specifically on cancer survivors remains limited, particularly within European and sustainability-oriented contexts. This preliminary study examined the effects of three-monthly forest bathing sessions conducted between July and September 2023 in a sustainably managed forest in the north-eastern Italian Alps. Fifteen cancer survivors participated on a voluntary basis. POMS assessments administered before and after each session measured six mood dimensions as well as Total Mood Disturbance. Participants demonstrated consistent improvements in mood across the intervention period, with a subset also reporting enhanced environmental awareness. These findings indicate that repeated forest bathing experiences in sustainably managed settings may confer psychological benefits while fostering a deeper appreciation of natural environments, thereby warranting further investigation within European healthcare and sustainability frameworks.