Mindful immersion in natural environments represents a transformative opportunity for adults with intellectual disabilities, who often face structural barriers to accessing psychosocial well-being programs. An approach tailored to their abilities enables the design of forest bathing activities through weekly sessions that combine sensory stimulation, gentle movement, guided reflection, and environmental observation. These sessions, conducted in accessible natural areas, also incorporate physiological measurements such as blood pressure, psychophysiological coherence parameters, and quality of life scales, allowing for a holistic assessment of effects. The intervention also considers aspects of environmental comfort, such as perceived temperature and its influence on the experience, recognizing the importance of physical context in generating a sense of safety and receptiveness. Support from professionals already known to participants plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth process and avoiding emotional triggers. This type of practice also fosters the development of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and a deeper connection with nature, enhancing both individual empowerment and social inclusion. It provides a replicable model for inclusive nature-based health interventions that bridge therapeutic goals with ecological awareness, addressing both mental and physical well-being in populations that have traditionally been underserved in public health policies.
Bermejo-Martins, E., Pueyo-Garrigues, M., Casas, M., Bermejo-Orduna, R., & Villarroya, A.A. (2022). A Forest Bathing Intervention in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Feasibility Study Protocol.
