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Effects of Urban Forest Therapy Program on Depression Patients
Poung-Sik Yeon1, In-Ok Kim2, Si-Nae Kang2
1Department of Forest Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea.
Summary
Urban forest therapy significantly alleviates depression symptoms, improves sleep quality, and reduces somatization in patients. This accessible intervention offers a promising non-pharmacological treatment for depression management.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health
- Environmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychiatry
Background:
- Depression is a prevalent mental health condition with significant personal and social impacts.
- Forest therapy is a recognized non-pharmacological intervention for mental well-being.
- The efficacy of urban forest therapy, easily accessible in daily life, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effects of an urban forest therapy program on depression patients.
- To assess the impact on depression symptoms, sleep quality, and somatization.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial (RCT) design was utilized.
- 47 depression patients were enrolled: 22 in the urban forest therapy group and 25 in the control group.
- Standardized assessments included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15).
Main Results:
- Participants in the urban forest therapy program showed significantly reduced depression symptoms.
- Improved sleep quality was observed in the intervention group compared to the control.
- A significant decrease in somatization symptoms was noted among urban forest therapy participants.
Conclusions:
- Urban forest therapy programs can be an effective non-pharmacological treatment for depression.
- This intervention demonstrates potential for alleviating depression symptoms, enhancing sleep, and reducing somatization.
- Accessible urban green spaces offer a viable resource for mental health treatment.
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