THE ROLE OF NEGATIVE STATEMENTS ON THE SUBJECTIVE EFFECTS OF TRAFFIC NOISE

• Published in: Journal of sound and vibration Vol. 188; no. 3; pp. 347 - 361
• Main Authors: Nieves Vera, M., Vila, J., Godoy, J.F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Elsevier Ltd 07.12.1995; Elsevier
• Subjects: Acoustics; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Noise: its effects and control; Physics; Numerical method; Statistical analysis; Experimental study; Traffic noise
• ISSN: 0022-460X; 1095-8568
• DOI: 10.1006/jsvi.1995.0598

This study assesses subjective effects of traffic noise and the mediator role that negative statements about the noise and about oneself play. Eighty-four students underwent two 15-minute presentations of high intensity traffic noise, with and without negative statements. The potential effect of the negative statements was enhanced by the use of instructions concerning the expectation of negative noise effects and the credibility of the statements in half the subjects. Level of anxiety, subjective noise aversion and time estimation of the noise were taken. The State Anxiety Inventory and the Profile of Mood States Questionnaire were used as pre- and post-tests. Noise increased anxiety levels, these levels being higher during the Statements condition than during the Noise alone condition. Instructions further increased the effects of these negative statements. Subjects did not adapt to noise. Scores in the questionnaires were significantly higher in the post-test than in the pre-test. Implications of these results are discussed.