Practitioners’ Experiences of the Influence of Bonsai Art on Health
Caroll Hermann, Steve EdwardsAbstract: Bonsai art refers to the cultivation of a miniature tree. This study was motivated by
the hypothesis that bonsai art may also be an ecopsychological, therapeutic practice that can have
meaningful healing qualities. An international online survey elicited the meaning of bonsai art for
255 skilled bonsai practitioners. Questionnaires and interviews were used to elicit the experiences of
participants. The findings supported the hypothesis that, for skilled practitioners, bonsai art was
associated with meaningful healing experiences. In particular, the evidence suggests that bonsai
art facilitates improved ecological, spiritual and emotional awareness, as well as various healing
dimensions, including aesthetic creativity, resilience, adaptability, and social, physical, and personal
health. It is viewed as an intervention technique that requires few resources, is easy to apply, and has
a minimal impact on any environmental setting. The conclusions drawn point to the ethically sound
health promotion value of bonsai art in various settings, such as psychiatric hospitals, retirement
homes, rehabilitation centres and prisons.
Keywords: intervention; ecopsychology; art therapy; mental health; health-seeking behaviour