Nature soundscapes have long been known to have a positive impact on people’s stress and anxiety levels. However, a new study published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE reveals that manmade sounds, such as vehicle traffic, can mask these benefits.
The study, conducted by researchers from the University of the West of England and the Bat Conservation Trust in the U.K., involved 68 student volunteers. These participants were asked to listen to three 3-minute soundscapes: a natural soundscape recorded at sunrise in West Sussex, the same soundscape combined with 20-mile per hour road traffic sounds, and the same soundscape with 40-mile per hour traffic sounds. Before and after listening to the soundscapes, the volunteers assessed their general mood and anxiety levels using self-reported scales.
The results showed that listening to the natural soundscape alone reduced self-reported stress and anxiety levels and enhanced mood recovery after a stressor. However, when traffic sounds were added to the mix, the benefits of the natural soundscape were limited. In fact, the study found that the natural soundscape alone was associated with the lowest levels of stress and anxiety, with the highest levels reported after listening to the soundscape with 40-mile per hour traffic.
The researchers concluded that reducing traffic speed in urban areas could have a significant impact on human health and well-being, not just in terms of safety but also by preserving natural soundscapes. They emphasized the importance of experiencing the positive effects of nature on health and well-being by minimizing the influence of anthropogenic sounds like traffic noise.
In light of these findings, the researchers suggest that urban planners and policymakers consider the impact of traffic noise on mental health and well-being when designing and developing urban spaces. By prioritizing natural soundscapes and reducing traffic speeds, cities can create environments that promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance overall quality of life.
The study, titled “Natural soundscapes enhance mood recovery amid anthropogenic noise pollution,” was published in PLOS ONE in 2024. More information can be found in the original article linked in the source.
