Exploring the Physiological and Psychological Effects of Digital Shinrin-Yoku and Its Characteristics as a Restorative Environment

Abstract

This study investigated the physiological and psychological therapeutic effects of a digital Shinrin-yoku environment constructed indoors in an urban facility as well as the characteristics of the environment that contribute to restorativeness (restorative traits). We measured the fluctuations in the physical and mental states of 25 subjects by obtaining both before–after measurements and continuous measurements while exposed to a digital Shinrin-yoku environment that reproduced visual, auditory, and olfactory elements. The results demonstrated that the parasympathetic nerve activity was significantly increased and that the heart rate was significantly decreased during the exposure compared with that during the resting state. As for mood, five of the six Profile of Mood States (POMS) scales (“Tension–Anxiety,” “Depression,” “Anger–Hostility,” “Fatigue,” and “Confusion”) were significantly decreased after the experience. In addition, psychological restorative effects were also confirmed, with a significant decrease in “negative affect” (measured using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS)) and a significant increase in the sense of restorativeness (Restorative Outcome Scale (ROS)) after the experience. In contrast, comparing the digital Shinrin-yoku environment with the actual forest environment and the urban environment using POMS, PANAS, ROS, and Perceived Restorativeness Scale (PRS), the psychological effects and environmental traits of the digital Shinrin-yoku were found to be considerably similar to those of the actual forest environment.

Benefits of nature-based intervention in combating the impact of urbanization on psychopathology in industrialized societies

“…Among the four studies utilizing virtual nature-based interventions, three were rated as good quality [35 ▪▪ ,36 ▪▪ ,37] while one received a fair rating [38 ▪ ]. All studies reported a significant reduction in anxiety and depression following the digital intervention or some arrangement thereof (e.g., a specific order for presenting digital stimuli).…”

“…All studies reported a significant reduction in anxiety and depression following the digital intervention or some arrangement thereof (e.g., a specific order for presenting digital stimuli). Notably, the study conducted in Japan [37] adhered to a rigorous design. Despite involving only 25 participants in a 20-min digital forest bathing session, the stimuli encompassed visual, audible, and olfactory domains, providing participants with a more realistic experience of a natural environment.…”

Mechanism of the Huangguoshu waterfall forest environment’s promotive effect on human health in Guizhou, China

“…This would ease the mind, dispel fatigue, relieve stress, and cultivate a healthy complexion (9). Relevant studies in Germany have demonstrated that the natural environment can contribute to releasing stress, and Germany has taken the lead in establishing the first forest recreation sites in the world (10)(11)(12)(13). At present, the concept of a healing environment is a more comprehensive generalization and summary of "forest bath" and "natural therapy", which makes the understanding of the medicalization of natural environmental resources more diverse and profound (12,13).…”

“…Relevant studies in Germany have demonstrated that the natural environment can contribute to releasing stress, and Germany has taken the lead in establishing the first forest recreation sites in the world ( 10 - 13 ). At present, the concept of a healing environment is a more comprehensive generalization and summary of “forest bath” and “natural therapy”, which makes the understanding of the medicalization of natural environmental resources more diverse and profound ( 12 , 13 ). Based on Germany’s experience, Japan has developed various alternative therapies based on forest resources, including horticultural therapy, wilderness healing and climatic terrain therapy, and other “nature-based medicine” approaches.…”

Impacts of Landscape Type, Viewing Distance, and Permeability on Anxiety, Depression, and Stress

“…It has been demonstrated that watching pictures of real nature will improve human health [ 17 ], reduce stress, improve mood [ 18 ], relieve fatigue [ 19 ], and improve cognition [ 20 ]. Exposure to virtual nature also has restorative traits similar to exposure to real nature [ 21 ]. Watching virtual reality (VR) natural scenery can reduce stress [ 22 , 23 ].…”