Therapist-Guided Versus Self-Guided Forest Immersion: Comparative Efficacy on Short-Term Mental Health and Economic Value.

ABSTRACT: Forest therapy, guided by clinical professionals (psychologists or psychotherapists), is increasingly recognized as a preventive and complementary health practice with evidence-based therapeutic potential; however, the specific contribution of therapist guidance compared to self-guided immersion remains unclear. This retrospective study evaluated the short-term mental health outcomes of therapist-guided (TG) compared to self-guided (SG) forest immersion, based on the validated State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Profile of Mood States questionnaires. Data were collected from 282 adults participating in eight paired TG-SG sessions conducted at the same forest sites across Italy. The results showed that TG sessions were associated with greater improvements in state anxiety, self-esteem, and to

SUBMITTER: Rivieccio R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12729753 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature