‘숲의 명칭’ 및 ‘숲의 치유효과에 대한 정보’ 제공이 숲 방문객의 회복환경지각에 미치는 영향

Influence of Forest Name and Information about Healing Effects of Forest on Users’ Perceived Restorativeness: An Application of Placebo Effect

This study examined how ‘forest name’ and ‘information on forest healing effectiveness’ influence users’ perceived restorativeness (PR). The study area was ‘Forest Healing Road’ in Mudeungsan National Park. Data were collected from 359 Gwang-ju citizens selected by convenient and snowball sampling procedures using some simulated photographs and questionnaire during May-June, 2015. The placebo treatment group generally showed more positive ratings on PR than control groups. While the groups exposed to good environmental conditions didn’t show any differences on PR between placebo and control groups, the groups exposed to medium or bad environmental conditions showed differences on PR. Placebo effects on PR were influenced by socio-demographic backgrounds (e.g., gender, age, education level), knowledge about healing forest, and environmental condition of healing forest. Some research and managerial implications were suggested.