Natalia Gertner

Ms. Natalia Gertner


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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19 June 2026 in Sustainability
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
BBBrenda Buscaglione
Brenda Buscaglione
RVRodrigo Vargas-Gaete
Rodrigo Vargas-Gaete
NGNatalia Gertner
Natalia Gertner
PCPaula Cantarutti
Paula Cantarutti
CICarlos Inaipil
Carlos Inaipil
CSChristian Salas
Christian Salas
There is growing recognition of the health benefits that forests and green spaces provide to people. Forest bathing is a practice that promotes relaxation and human well-being through immersive, mindful experiences in forest environments. How forest bathing affects distinct dimensions of well-being is still not fully understood. In this study, we assessed changes in well-being before and after two and four forest bathing sessions and examined whether a brief introductory session on forest ecosystem services enhanced participants’ overall perception of well-being. Forty adults from a rural community in southern Chile completed the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale to assess perceived well-being. Participants showed improvements in overall well-being after two sessions, with the most significant gains in relaxation, optimism, clarity of thought, and social connection. Scores remained stable between the second and fourth sessions, suggesting that initial exposure offers the most substantial benefits, while continued practice helps maintain them. Although the introductory session did not significantly affect overall well-being scores, it showed positive effects on optimism and social connection. These findings highlight forest bathing as an effective nature-based intervention to promote emotional and social well-being, with implications for policies advancing public health and sustainability goals.