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Investigating the Qualities of a Recreational Forest: Findings from the Cross-Sectional Hallerwald Case Study

Author

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  • Renate Cervinka

    (University College for Agrarian and Environmental Pedagogy, 1130 Vienna, Austria
    Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
    These authors contributed equally.)

  • Markus Schwab

    (University College for Agrarian and Environmental Pedagogy, 1130 Vienna, Austria
    Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
    These authors contributed equally.)

  • Daniela Haluza

    (Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria)

Abstract

Prior research shows that forests contribute to human health and well-being. In this sense, this cross-sectional case study, adopting the principles of citizen science, assessed the restorative potential of places in the Hallerwald, an Austrian community forest. A convenience sample of adult forest visitors (n = 99, 64% females) completed a survey during a guided 2.5 h forest tour. The German questionnaire assessed the qualities of defined places in the forest. We also investigated changes in mood states, perceived stress, restoration, connectedness, and mindfulness before and after visiting the forest. In cooperation with a local working group, we developed the new Widen One’s Mind (WOM) scale, which showed good scale characteristics. All places received high scores in their potential to increase restoration and vitality and to widen one’s mind. Positive affect, restoration, connectedness with nature and the forest, and mindfulness increased pre- versus post-visits, whereas negative affect and perceived stress decreased. The findings of this study suggest that in recreational forests, visitors experience beneficial mental effects such as stress reduction in addition to physical exercise. To facilitate regional development goals, we recommend evaluating places in forests regarding the potential effects on the health and well-being as well as citizen participation before initiating extensive remodeling.

Suggested Citation

  • Renate Cervinka & Markus Schwab & Daniela Haluza, 2020. "Investigating the Qualities of a Recreational Forest: Findings from the Cross-Sectional Hallerwald Case Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-13, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:5:p:1676-:d:328397
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daniela Haluza & Regina Schönbauer & Renate Cervinka, 2014. "Green Perspectives for Public Health: A Narrative Review on the Physiological Effects of Experiencing Outdoor Nature," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-17, May.
    2. Liz O'Brien & Jake Morris & Amy Stewart, 2014. "Engaging with Peri-Urban Woodlands in England: The Contribution to People’s Health and Well-Being and Implications for Future Management," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-22, June.
    3. Margaret M. Hansen & Reo Jones & Kirsten Tocchini, 2017. "Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-48, July.
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    Cited by:

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    2. David Jungwirth & Chiara Amelie Weninger & Daniela Haluza, 2021. "Fitness and the Crisis: Impacts of COVID-19 on Active Living and Life Satisfaction in Austria," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-13, December.
    3. Dahlia Stott & DeAndra Forde & Chetan Sharma & Jonathan M. Deutsch & Michael Bruneau & Jennifer A. Nasser & Mara Z. Vitolins & Brandy-Joe Milliron, 2024. "Interactions with Nature, Good for the Mind and Body: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(3), pages 1-26, March.
    4. David Sheffield & Carly W. Butler & Miles Richardson, 2022. "Improving Nature Connectedness in Adults: A Meta-Analysis, Review and Agenda," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-23, September.
    5. David Jungwirth & Daniela Haluza, 2023. "Sports and the Pandemic: The Impact of COVID-19 on Active Living and Life Satisfaction of Climbers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-12, January.

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