Natural sounds and sights, particularly birdsong in green spaces, significantly improve mental health by reducing stress and boosting feelings of restoration, according to a study from North Carolina State University published in Environmental Conservation. Researchers found that integrating these natural elements into urban planning can effectively mitigate the negative psychological impacts of gray, built environments.
The Psychological Impact of Urban vs. Natural Environments
A recent study conducted by North Carolina State University researchers provides evidence that the environment a person occupies dictates their emotional response. The research team, led by professor Nils Peterson, utilized randomized trials to measure how different settings and soundscapes affect stress levels and “restorativeness”—the ability to feel refreshed after an experience.
Participants wore noise-cancelling headphones while positioned in either a secluded, reclaimed nature trail or a high-traffic urban area. The study randomized the exposure to either birdsong or traffic noise. According to Peterson, the findings were immediate: participants in green spaces listening to birdsong reported a decrease in negative emotions and stress, alongside an increase in positive emotions.
Conversely, those in urban environments listening to car traffic experienced the opposite effect. “You had the complete opposite when participants in a gray, urban area listened to the sounds of cars, and more mixed reactions when the sounds and areas were mismatched,” Peterson noted.
Did you know?
The study, titled “Both restored forest and birdsong promote psychological well-being,” was a collaborative effort involving 14 researchers from NC State, including Lincoln Larson, Trenton Ford, and Aaron Hipp, among others.
Frequently Asked Questions
How were the effects of the environment isolated from the sounds?
Researchers used randomized trials where participants were placed in either a green space or an urban space, then assigned a soundscape—birdsong or traffic—to wear via noise-cancelling headphones. This allowed the team to isolate the specific impact of place versus sound.
Can natural sounds improve a “gray” environment?
Yes. According to Nils Peterson, incorporating natural sounds can help mitigate the negative psychological effects of urban areas that lack green space.
Where was this study published?
The study, “Both restored forest and birdsong promote psychological well-being,” was published in the journal Environmental Conservation (DOI: 10.1017/S0376892926100484).
Have you noticed a change in your stress levels when spending time in nature versus the city? Share your experiences in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on environmental health research.