The Impact of Sustainable Leisure Sports in Protected Forest Areas on Human Mental Health
Hsiao-Hsien Lin, Chih-Hung Tseng, Chien-Hung Wu, Jao-Chuan Lin, I-En TsaiAbstract
Objective
This study explores how sustainable leisure sports in protected forest areas, supported by Green Forest Recreational Environment Literacy (GFREnL), contribute to human mental health and promote positive recreational experiences. The study investigates the relationships among forest environmental literacy, recreational participation, leisure satisfaction, and mental health, with particular attention to the effects of leisure sports activities on anxiety, depression, and fear-related emotions.
Methods
A mixed-methods approach was adopted. Quantitative data from 1,960 questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS 27.0, supplemented by 12 semi-structured qualitative interviews. Multivariate statistical analyses were conducted, and quantitative and qualitative findings were integrated during interpretation. The study examined the effects of Forest Recreation Area Environmental Development Awareness (FRAEnDA) and Overall Rural Development Cognition (ORDC) on recreational activities, satisfaction, and mental health outcomes, emphasizing the influence of sustainable leisure sports participation on mental health in forest recreation areas.
Results
Perceptions of GFREnL differed significantly according to gender, travel behavior, and travel frequency. Significant relationships were identified among GFREnL, FRAEnDA, ORDC, recreational satisfaction, sustainable leisure sports participation, mental health, and well-being (p < .001). The findings indicate that sustainable leisure sports are associated with improved mental health, reduced anxiety, depression, and fear-related emotions, and enhanced overall well-being.
Conclusions
Green forest recreational environment literacy and sustainable leisure sports provide important pathways for improving human mental health while supporting ecological conservation and rural development. Forest-based leisure activities promote stress reduction and emotional regulation, thereby alleviating anxiety, depression, and fear-related emotions. Improving recreational environments and facilities can further enhance participation, leisure satisfaction, and public mental health.
Corresponding Author
Jao-Chuan Lin, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, 811213, Taiwan.