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Research article2016Peer reviewedOpen access

The Role of Soundscape in Nature-Based Rehabilitation: A Patient Perspective

Cerwén, Gunnar; Pedersen, Eja; Pálsdóttir, Anna María

Abstract

Nature-based rehabilitation (NBR) has convincing support in research, yet the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The present study sought to increase understanding of the role of soundscapes in NBR, an aspect paid little attention thus far. Transcribed interviews with 59 patients suffering from stress-related mental disorders and undergoing a 12-week therapy programme in the rehabilitation garden in Alnarp, Sweden, were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenology Analysis (IPA). Described sounds were categorised as natural, technological or human. The results showed that patients frequently referred to natural sounds as being part of a pleasant and "quiet" experience that supported recovery and induced "soft fascination". Technological sounds were experienced as disturbing, while perception of human sounds varied depending on loudness and the social context. The study further uncovered how sound influenced patients' behaviour and experiences in the garden, through examination of three cross-theme dimensions that materialised in the study; sound in relation to overall perception, sound in relation to garden usage, and increased susceptibility to sound. The findings are discussed in relation to NBR; the need for a more nuanced understanding of susceptibility to sound among people suffering from mental fatigue was identified and design considerations for future rehabilitation gardens were formulated.

Keywords

garden therapy; soundscape; design; health; mental restoration; nature-based rehabilitation; soft fascination; horticulture therapy; therapeutic landscape

Published in

International journal of environmental research and public health
2016, Volume: 13, number: 12, article number: 1229

      SLU Authors

      • Associated SLU-program

      Built environment
      Nature experiences and health

      Sustainable Development Goals

      Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
      Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

      UKÄ Subject classification

      Landscape Architecture
      Environmental Health and Occupational Health

      Publication identifier

      DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph13121229

      Permanent link to this page (URI)

      https://res.slu.se/id/publ/78316