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A new study published in PLOS One suggests that exposure to natural soundscapes can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. However, the benefits of these calming sounds are significantly diminished when mixed with high-speed traffic noise, according to researchers from the University of the West of England.
Study Findings
The study involved 68 adult participants aged 18–42 from the university’s psychology participant pool. Each participant was subjected to three rounds of a stress-inducing video, followed by exposure to different soundscape recordings. The soundscapes included:
- A natural soundscape featuring bird songs.
- A mixed soundscape combining natural sounds with traffic noise recorded at a speed limit of 20 mi/h.
- A mixed soundscape combining natural sounds with traffic noise recorded at a speed limit of 40 mi/h.
Impact of Traffic Noise on Stress and Anxiety
The results revealed a clear trend: participants who listened to natural soundscapes alone experienced the lowest levels of stress and anxiety. However, when natural sounds were mixed with traffic noise, particularly at 40 mi/h, stress and anxiety levels increased significantly. Pleasure scores, which measure subjective enjoyment, were highest when listening to pure natural sounds but decreased as traffic noise levels rose.
Urban Implications
Based on these findings, the researchers suggest that reducing traffic speeds in urban areas could help preserve the mental health benefits associated with exposure to natural sounds. Implementing lower speed limits may allow city dwellers to experience the therapeutic effects of nature without interference from high-speed road noise.
For more details, the full study can be accessed on PLOS One here.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Readers experiencing stress or anxiety should consult a qualified healthcare professional.
