Virtual Forest Bathing Programming as Experienced by Disabled Adults with Mobility Impairments and/or Low Energy: A Qualitative Study
Journal article
Authors | McEwan, K., Krogh, K. S., Dunlop, K., Khan, M. and Krogh, A. |
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Abstract | Background: Although access to nature is demonstrated to benefit health and wellbeing, adults with mobility impairments and/or low energy often face barriers in accessing nature environments and nature-based programs. This study aimed to examine the experiences and impacts of virtual forest bathing by capturing the perspectives of disabled adults with mobility impairments and/or low energy. Methods: A total of 26 adults with mobility impairments provided written and spoken qualitative feedback during and following virtual forest bathing programs and 23 participants provided feedback at a one month follow-up. Virtual programs were presented online, using an accessible format, 2D videos, and images of nature accompanied by guidance led by a certified forest bathing guide and mindfulness teacher. The programs involved disabled facilitators and participants, which created a social environment of peer support. Results: Qualitative thematic analysis revealed 10 themes comprising intervention themes (virtual delivery and soothing facilitation); process themes (nature connection, relaxation, embodiment, and memories with complex emotions); and outcome themes (happiness, agency, metaphor making, and belonging). Conclusions: Virtual forest bathing may offer an effective adjunct to improve wellbeing and provide peer support for disabled adults with mobility impairments and/or low energy. |
Keywords | accessibility ; disability ; forest bathing |
Year | 2023 |
Journal | Forests |
Journal citation | 14 (5), pp. 1-19 |
Publisher | MDPI |
ISSN | 1999-4907 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/f14051033 |
Web address (URL) | https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4907/14/5/1033 |
Accepted author manuscript | File Access Level Open |
Publisher's version | License File Access Level Open |
Output status | Published |
Publication dates | |
Online | 17 May 2023 |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | 06 May 2023 |
Deposited | 25 May 2023 |
Supplemental file | File Access Level Open |
https://repository.derby.ac.uk/item/9yv8y/virtual-forest-bathing-programming-as-experienced-by-disabled-adults-with-mobility-impairments-and-or-low-energy-a-qualitative-study
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Accepted author manuscript
forests-2290915-layout-with comments - amended.docx | ||
File access level: Open |
Publisher's version
forests-14-01033.pdf | ||
License: CC BY 4.0 | ||
File access level: Open |
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