森林如何療癒我們？ 台灣森林療癒參與者的療癒歷程初探

Abstract

森林療癒（Forest Therapy）在近年納入許多國家的政策，相關研究持續增加中，但Gobster等人（2022）發現大部分研究結果與測量工具的重複性較高，並建議以質性研究進行森林療癒研究的拓展。有鑒於森林療癒過程中多樣與複雜的交互因子，與個人的主體經驗和詮釋有很大的關聯（Birch et al., 2020），本研究以公開招募及滾雪球的方式，對十一位長期居住在台灣且多次體驗森林療癒活動的參與者進行質性訪談，並以紮根理論方法進一步歸納分析受訪者(1)接觸森林療癒的背景與動機(2)參與森林療癒活動的想像與目的(3)森林療癒的效益與影響因子(4)森林療癒的療癒歷程與機制，並試圖貼近森林療癒的療癒本質，以期提供參與者森林療癒獨特的健康價值與福祉。 根據歸納分析結果，本研究認為外在社會環境的改變，使人們與自然以及自然狀態的分離，為形成療癒內在需求的主要原因。而森林療癒除了在「身健康」及「心健康」方面的助益之外，現今研究較少談及的「靈健康」更是受訪者分享與受益的重點，藉由「自我的內在探索」、「自我的內外和解」、「與整體連結合一」、「往整體擴張延伸」等效益，發揮可帶回日常生活中實踐的特徵，而為受訪者創造了獨特的療癒價值。相對於目前實證研究分開量測生理與心理效益的方式，整體論（Holism）的健康架構可能更符合參與者在森林療癒中的體驗，且可能受到中華文化、道家思想和泛靈論（Panpsychism）信仰的影響。此外，在森林療癒的療癒歷程與機制方面，除了森林環境的特徵「多樣性、變化性與生命性」、「神聖感」、「豐富和諧的美感」等符合Wilson（1984）親生命假說等環境因子，以及長時間累積等其他因子外，本研究更加入存在主義學者Heidegger（1962）提出的「忽略存有」（inauthenticity）與「注意存有」（authenticity）模式，以對參與者在森林療癒中體驗「靈健康」的過程與機制提出可能的解釋。 本研究以質性研究紮根理論方法，深入分析受訪者的森林療癒經驗，試圖拓展整合目前森林療癒療癒機制的常見理論，提出「森林療癒參與者的療癒歷程與機制概念圖」。除了擴展森林療癒所帶來的健康效益與價值，亦對現有的健康框架與推廣活動提供反思，期望在森林療癒相關理論與實務推展上有所貢獻。

In recent years, Forest Therapy has been incorporated into the policies of many countries, and related research in this area has been steadily increasing. However, Gobster et al. (2022) observed a high degree of repeatability in most research results and measurement tools, suggesting the utilization of qualitative methodologies to expand forest therapy studies. Recognizing the diverse and complex interactive factors in the Forest Therapy process, closely intertwined with individual subjective experiences and interpretations (Birch et al., 2020), this study employed open recruitment and snowball sampling to conduct qualitative interviews with eleven participants who have long-term residency in Taiwan and have experienced Forest Therapy activities multiple times. The study applied grounded theory methods to analyze the participants’ expreriences in terms of (1) their background and motivations for engaging in Forest Therapy, (2) ) their imaginations and purposes of participating in Forest Therapy activities, (3) the benefits and influencing factors of Forest Therapy, (4) the healing processes and mechanisms of Forest Therapy. The study aimed to approach the inherent healing essence of Forest Therapy, seeking to provide participants with unique health values and well-being.

This study finds that changes in societal patterns, leading to the separation of individuals from nature and the natural state, are the primary reasons for the emergence of inherent healing needs. In addition to the benefits in "body health" and "mind health," the often overlooked aspect of "spirit health" emerged as a focal point of interest and benefit for participants. Through the benefits of "inner self-exploration," "inner and outer reconciliation of the self," "connection and unity with the whole," and "expansion and extension towards the whole," Forest Therapy manifested characteristics that could be practically applied in participants' daily lives, creating unique healing values.In contrast to the current empirical research that separately measures physiological and psychological benefits, a holistic health framework, influenced by Chinese culture, Taoist philosophy, and Panpsychism beliefs, may better align with participants' experiences in Forest Therapy. Furthermore, in the healing process and mechanisms of Forest Therapy, in addition to environmental factors such as the characteristics of the forest environment, such as "diversity, variability, and vitality," "sense of sacredness," and "rich and harmonious aesthetics," in line with Wilson's (1984) biophilia hypothesis and other factors accumulated over time, this study incorporated existentialist Heidegger's (1962) proposed modes of "inauthenticity" and "authenticity" to provide potential explanations for the process and mechanisms of participants experiencing "spirit health."

This qualitative research, utilizing grounded theory methodology, aims to deeply analyze participants' experiences with Forest Therapy, attempting to expand and integrate prevalent theories on the healing mechanisms of Forest Therapy. The study proposes a "Conceptual Map of the Healing Process and Mechanism for Forest Therapy Participants," aiming not only to expand the health benefits and values brought about by Forest Therapy but also to offer reflections on existing health frameworks and promotional activities. The study hopes to contribute to the advancement of Forest Therapy-related theories and practical implementation in the field.