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The Impact of Open Forest Habitats on Psychological Well-Being

Author

Listed:
  • Emilia Janeczko

    (Department of Forest Utilization, Institute of Forest Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Krzysztof Czyżyk

    (Department of Geomatics and Land Management, Institute of Forest Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Małgorzata Woźnicka

    (Department of Forest Utilization, Institute of Forest Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Anna Wiśniewska

    (Regional Directorate of State Forests in Torun, Adama Mickiewicza 9, 87-100 Torun, Poland)

Abstract

Open habitats in forests perform several important functions. In addition to enriching biodiversity, they have an impact on the diversification of the forest landscape, and through complex processes and trophic relationships, they provide greater sustainability in forest communities. It turns out that they are also important not only for the functioning of nature, but also due to their regenerative properties, through which people can improve their well-being and recover their mental balance. The purpose of this study was to determine whether and to what extent mid-forest open dunes and wetlands are able to provide people with feelings of relaxation and mental renewal. The study was conducted in June 2024 in one of the forest complexes located in the suburban zone of Warsaw. The experiment was conducted with the participation of 52 young adult volunteers. The experiment used a pre–posttest method. The subjects’ mood and well-being were determined using four psychological questionnaires: the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), Restorative Outcome Scale (ROS), Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS), and Profile of Mood States (POMSs). The key findings from the research conducted are as follows: compared to the control sample (before entering the forest), exposure to all three variants of greenery had a restorative effect on the experimental participants; the water environment had the most favorable effect compared to the control sample (before entering the forest); and exposure to this environment provided the greatest increase in positive feelings and the greatest decrease in negative feelings. Research has shown that areas important for preserving forest biodiversity are also important for humans because of their high restorative properties. Preserving non-forest enclaves in forests and promoting their regenerative values for humans can be one nature-based solution to improve people’s health and well-being, especially for people living in urban areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Emilia Janeczko & Krzysztof Czyżyk & Małgorzata Woźnicka & Anna Wiśniewska, 2025. "The Impact of Open Forest Habitats on Psychological Well-Being," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:13:p:6233-:d:1696683
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    References listed on IDEAS

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