A Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis of Forest Therapy Research: Investigating the Impact of Forest Environments on Human Physiological and Psychological Well-Being

Human interaction with natural environments is gaining increasing attention in environmental sciences as research consistently shows that access to green spaces, clean air, and biodiversity plays a crucial role in enhancing physical health, reducing stress, and improving overall well-being. This study conducts a bibliometric and visualization-based analysis of forest therapy research, emphasizing its physiological and psychological benefits. Using the Web of Science database, we identified and analyzed 414 studies from 1998 to 2023. Through CiteSpace and VOSviewer, we mapped these documents to examine research trends, publication networks, leading scholars and institutions, key journals, and thematic evolution. Findings indicate that forest therapy research is predominantly concentrated in East Asia, North America, Australia, and Europe, with strong collaborative networks among authors and institutions. The concentration of publications, research evolution, and keyword trends reflect the development of forest therapy research. The analysis further identifies sixteen research clusters and discusses two research themes: physiological and psychological effects. By analyzing how the natural environment contributes to human well-being, we provide a comprehensive and visually structured understanding of forest therapy as an intersection of environmental science, public health and well-being, and ecosystem conservation. Our findings offer a new perspective for future interdisciplinary research, emphasizing the need for well-designed clinical trials to substantiate forest therapy’s diverse health effects and its role in promoting sustainable interactions between human societies and natural environments.