Experiences of Change in Connectedness Through Forest Bathing Among Adults with Disabilities and/or Physical Health Difficulties

Abstract

Nature exposure and forest bathing have been shown to benefit health, well-being, and connectedness on individual, societal, and environmental levels. However, they are rarely made accessible for people with disabilities, who often face disproportionate exclusion and discrimination in society. There is also little research assessing the forest bathing experiences of this population and in-depth qualitative exploration of connectedness through forest bathing. This research aimed to explore adults with disabilities' experiences of change in their sense of connectedness to the self, others, and nature through accessible forest bathing programs. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with fifteen adults who identified as having physical disabilities and/or physical health difficulties after attending at least two online and/or in-person accessible forest bathing group sessions. The programs were delivered collaboratively by facilitators and participants with disabilities, fostering peer support. Four themes were generated using Reflexive Thematic Analysis: ‘The ground: Establishing a secure base’, ‘The trunk: Cultivating a strong sense of self and inner peace’, ‘The branches: Opening up to the world’, and ‘The leaves: Giving back – preserving the earth and all living beings’. The findings indicate that accessible forest bathing programs fostered an increased sense of connectedness to the self, others, and nature, as well as a universal interconnectedness and spirituality among people with disabilities. Connectedness was seen as essential in community building, cultivating a sense of belonging, reducing isolation, fostering self-identity, personal growth, and environmental stewardship. The study advocates for integrating accessible forest bathing programs into clinical practices, green social prescribing, and education curricula to improve psycho-eco-social well-being and promote a more inclusive and environmentally conscious society.