Nature soundscapes have long been known to have a positive impact on reducing stress and anxiety levels in individuals. However, a recent study published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE suggests that manmade sounds, such as vehicle traffic, may actually mask these benefits.
The study, conducted by Paul Lintott of the University of the West of England and Lia Gilmour of the Bat Conservation Trust in the U.K., involved 68 student volunteers who listened to three different 3-minute soundscapes. The first was a nature soundscape recorded at sunrise in West Sussex, U.K. The second included the same nature soundscape combined with 20 mile per hour road traffic sounds, and the third included 40 mile per hour traffic sounds.
Before and after listening to the soundscapes, the participants’ general mood and anxiety levels were assessed using self-reported scales. The results showed that listening to the natural soundscape alone led to a reduction in self-reported stress and anxiety levels, as well as an enhancement in mood recovery after a stressor. However, when traffic sounds were included in the mix, the benefits of the natural soundscape were diminished.
The study found that the natural soundscape alone was associated with the lowest levels of stress and anxiety, while the highest levels were reported after listening to the soundscape that included 40 miles per hour traffic. The authors of the study suggest that reducing traffic speed in urban areas could not only improve safety but also have a positive impact on human health and well-being by preserving natural soundscapes.
In conclusion, the researchers stated, “Our study shows that listening to natural soundscapes can reduce stress and anxiety, and that anthropogenic sounds such as traffic noise can mask potential positive impacts. Reducing traffic speeds in cities is therefore an important step towards more people experiencing the positive effects of nature on their health and well-being.”
This study highlights the importance of preserving natural soundscapes in urban environments and the potential benefits it can have on mental health and well-being. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of exposure to both natural and manmade soundscapes on human health.
