The influence of acoustic characteristics and anthropogenic noise on restorative perceptions of natural soundscapes

Natural soundscapes are an important cultural ecosystem service that can promote mental health and well-being. However, the role of specific acoustic characteristics in delivering these benefits and the constraining effects of anthropogenic noise are currently unclear. To address these gaps, we conducted two complementary studies, a representative UK online study (N = 1529) and a lab-based study (N = 62), in which participants listened to nine soundscape samples that differed in both acoustic characteristics and anthropogenic noise. Measures of self-reported well-being and perceptions of restoration were assessed, along with perceived bird species richness and a range of socio-demographic covariates. Despite actual species richness being fixed, estimates of the number of species contributing to each soundscape varied, and perceived richness was highest in soundscapes of moderate complexity. Although no direct effect of acoustic characteristics on psychological well-being was found, greater perceived bird species richness was an important factor. Traffic noise had a clear negative impact on well-being, particularly when natural soundscapes were louder and more complex. These results highlight the importance of perceptions of biodiversity in understanding the well-being contributions of natural soundscapes. Medium to high soundscape complexity and amplitude may be important drivers for people to perceive greater bird diversity, whilst minimising traffic noise is crucial to facilitate greater well-being benefits. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.