Natural soundscapes enhance mood recovery amid anthropogenic noise pollution.

ABSTRACT: In urbanised landscapes, the scarcity of green spaces and increased exposure to anthropogenic noise have adverse effects on health and wellbeing. While reduced speed limits have historically been implemented to address traffic safety, their potential impact on residents' wellbeing, especially in relation to engagement with natural soundscapes, remains understudied. Our study investigates the influence of i) natural soundscapes, including bird song, and ii) the addition of traffic noise to natural soundscapes at two speeds (20 mi/h and 40 mi/h) on mood. We found that natural soundscapes were strongly linked with the lowest levels of anxiety and stress, with an increase in stress levels associated with mixed natural soundscapes with the addition of 20 mi/h traffic noise and the highest level

SUBMITTER: Gilmour LRV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11602051 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature