ORIGNAL ARTICLE

The effect or forest therapy on the mood states of young adults in Ulaanbaatar

Delgermaa Anujin¹ Sharavdorj Erdenechimeg²

* Corresponding Author: Sharavdorj Erdenechimeg

¹Department of Psychology, National University of Mongolia, Mongolia
²Department of Psychology, National University of Mongolia, Mongolia

Digital Object Identifier: 

https://doi.org/10.53468/mifyr.2023.03.04.01

Abstract— This study investigates the impact of Forest Therapy, specifically Shinrin-yoku, on the mood states of young adults residing in Ulaanbaatar. 27 young adults (m=11, f=16) from Ulaanbaatar participated in two individual forest therapy sessions, held at different sites on separate days, within the pristine natural environments nearby. Mood assessments were administered prior and right after each session using the Profile of Mood States questionnaire (POMS). The results showed a noteworthy improvement in the participants’ mood states following both forest therapy sessions. Specifically, participants reported reduced tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, confusion-bewilderment, and anger-hostility. Furthermore, forest therapy was associated with increased feelings of vigor-inertia. Therefore, Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) score was decreased among participants. These findings underscore the potential of forest therapy as a positive impact on the mood states of young adults in Ulaanbaatar. It further emphasizes the importance of connecting with nature as a means of enhancing mental health and overall well-being among young adults in polluted urban environments like Ulaanbaatar.

Keywords— Forest therapy, Mood states, Psychological well-being, Nature-based interventions

Article History: Received 5 November 2023, Received in revised form 7 November 2023, Accepted 29 November 2023