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Listening to Natural Soundscapes Reduces Stress, but Traffic Noise Undermines Benefits
New research highlights how high-speed traffic noise may amplify stress and anxiety, overshadowing the calming effects of natural soundscapes. The findings, published on November 27 in PLOS One, suggest that reducing urban traffic speeds could enhance the health benefits of nature for city dwellers.
The Study at a Glance
Researchers from the University of the West of England in Bristol examined the interaction between natural and urban soundscapes on stress and anxiety levels. Sixty-eight adults, aged 18 to 42, participated in the study. Using three distinct soundscape files—a natural soundscape featuring bird songs and two mixed soundscapes combining natural sounds with traffic noise recorded at 20 miles per hour (mi/h) and 40 mi/h—participants experienced a controlled auditory experiment.
Methodology
Each participant underwent the following procedure:
- Stress Induction: Exposure to three rounds of a one-minute stressor video.
- Soundscape Playback: Listening to one of the three soundscapes for three minutes.
- Assessment: Participants completed mood and anxiety evaluations after each exposure.
Researchers employed the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology Mood Adjective Checklist to measure stress and pleasure (hedonic tone) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scale to assess anxiety.
Key Findings
The study uncovered significant differences in how soundscapes influenced participants’ mental states:
- Natural Soundscapes: Strongly associated with the lowest levels of anxiety and stress.
- Mixed Soundscapes with 40 mi/h Traffic Noise: Led to the highest levels of stress (P < .01) and anxiety (P < .001).
- Pleasure Scores: Increased after exposure to natural soundscapes but declined when traffic noise, particularly at 40 mi/h, was added.
Traffic noise at higher speeds masked the beneficial effects of natural sounds, regardless of participants’ age, sex, or preference for natural environments.
Implications for Urban Living
“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,” the researchers stated in a press release. They emphasized that reducing traffic speeds in cities is a vital step toward promoting mental well-being through greater access to nature’s restorative effects.
Study Limitations and Future Research
The study’s reliance on a student participant pool may have introduced biases. Participants’ age, sex, and background might predispose them to favor natural soundscapes. Future studies could expand to a more diverse population to validate these findings.
Practical Takeaways
Urban planners and policymakers should consider reducing traffic speeds and promoting the integration of natural soundscapes in city environments to enhance public mental health. This research underscores the need for thoughtful urban design that prioritizes residents’ well-being over vehicle speed.
No Conflicts of Interest
The study did not receive specific funding, and the investigators reported no conflicts of interest.
