Forest Bathing Programs in Families Receiving Early Intervention

Forest Bathing Programs in Families Receiving Early Intervention: A Feasibility Study

This study aims to develop and evaluate a two-day, one-night family-centered Forest Therapy program, exploring its feasibility and effectiveness on children's physical and psychological development as well as parental stress.

The research plans to recruit 16 families, each consisting of one child aged 5 to 6 who is receiving early intervention services and both of their parents. The program incorporates the six core elements of Forest Therapy-plants, water, diet, psychology, climate, and exercise therapy-while integrating multi-sensory experiences and group interaction. Outcome evaluations will include physiological and psychological assessments, questionnaires, and interviews with both children and parents to examine pre- and post-intervention differences and gather feedback on the program.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. child is currently between 5 years 0 months and 6 years 11 months of age and is receiving early intervention services.
2. child's language abilities (including communication and comprehension) and motor skills are at or above the developmental level of a typical three-year-old.
3. Family members (including two caregivers and the child receiving early intervention) are willing to fully participate in the two-day, one-night Forest Therapy program, including pre-test, post-test, and follow-up assessments.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. child has significant physical or motor impairments that affect mobility.
2. child is unable to understand instructions, which may hinder participation in activities.
3. Family members have allergies to the forest environment or other health risks that may be triggered by participation.