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Smalley, Alexander; White, Mathew; Ripley, Rebecca; Atack, Timothy X; Lomas, Eliza; Sharples, Mike; Coates, Peter; Groom, Nick; Grand, Ann; Heneberry, Ailish; Fleming, Lora and Depledge, Michael
(2022).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2022.102497
Abstract
Extensive ecosystem degradation and increasing urbanization are altering human relationships with nature. To explore these trends, we created a transdisciplinary, narrative-led podcast series produced by the BBC, called 'Forest 404'. The series explored the implications of a world without nature. An online experimental component mobilized audience participation (n = 7,596) to assess responses to natural soundscapes with and without abiotic, biotic, and poetic elements across five biomes. Conditions featuring the sounds of wildlife, such as bird song, were perceived to be more psychologically restorative than those without. Participants’ personal lived experiences were strongly related to these outcomes; those who had memories triggered by the sounds were more likely to find them psychologically restorative and exhibited a greater motivation to preserve them. Moreover, the effects of both soundscape composition and memories on preservation behavior were partially mediated by restorative potential; respondents were more likely to want to protect the sounds they heard if they thought they might offer therapeutic outcomes. Our findings highlight the value of art-science collaborations and demonstrate how maintaining contact with the natural world can promote wellbeing and foster behaviors that protect planetary health.
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About
- Item ORO ID
- 82550
- Item Type
- Journal Item
- ISSN
- 0959-3780
- Keywords
- Environmental psychology; Attention restoration; Wellbeing; Soundscape; Conservation behavior; Ecosystem services; Biodiversity loss
- Academic Unit or School
-
Institute of Educational Technology (IET)
Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) > Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences
Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) - Copyright Holders
- © 2022 The Authors
- Depositing User
- Ann Grand