SOUNDSCAPE ECOLOGY: IMPACTS ON BEHAVIOUR AND MOOD

Shivani Choudhary and Dinesh Kumar Jain*

ABSTRACT

The 'Soundscape' concept intricately explores the perception of sounds at both individual and societal levels, revealing a profound connection between humans and their environment. Environmental sounds, spanning mechanical, human, and natural sources, symbolize the interconnectedness of humans and nature, fostering a tangible relationship. Scientifically, sound meditation proves effective in stress alleviation, positively impacting the autonomic nervous system. Theoretical frameworks, including Psychoacoustics, emphasize physiological aspects of sound perception and the amygdala's role in emotional responses. Cultural and individual variations in soundscape perceptions underscore the communicative relationship between humans and their environment, serving as a cultural landscape. Elements like natural sounds impact mood, contributing to research on workplace productivity and emotional dimensions of music. Urban soundscapes and therapeutic soundscapes influence stress and cognitive functions, while sound's role in healing environments, like nature-based rehabilitation and music therapy, highlights its potential in mental health. Cultural perspectives reveal cross-cultural sound preferences, emphasizing sounds as intangible cultural heritage. Ritualized music underscores the need to understand diverse mechanisms inducing positive changes across cultures in sound perception.

Keywords: Soundscape, Psychoacoustics, Mood Impacts, Sound Meditation, Cultural Perspectives.