Non-human animals in forest bathing: an atmospheric perspective

Although forest bathing has gained considerable attention as an emerging health trend, the role and related benefits of animals in this context are often overlooked in existing literature. Animals are typically perceived as part of nature, rather than recognized as individual entities with life characteristics. This study adopts an atmospheric perspective, considering atmosphere's potential to explore bodily communication between humans and non-humans. Examining recreationists' experiences with animals during forest bathing, we find that animals shape the forest's impression and atmosphere. Analyzing physical and emotional distances in animal encounters and subsequent behavioural modes reveals their impact on immersive experiences. This offers practical insights for managing multi-species interactions in recreational spaces.