A comparison of natural and non-natural soundscapes on people with severe of profound intellectual and multiple disabilities

ABSTRACTBackground Previous research indicates that there is a relationship between the auditory environment and the core affects (or mood) of people with severe or profound intellectual disability. We conducted a systematic study to further explore this relationship.Method Thirteen participants with severe or profound intellectual disability and challenging behaviour were presented with 5 different soundscapes (Beach, Forest, Urban, Music, and Silence) in a dedicated room. Direct support professionals made core affect observations before and after each trial.Results A trend was visible in the core affect observations, with a prominent and consistent increase in the frequency of observations of a Relaxed core affect across conditions. However, a greater increase in the frequency of observations of a Relaxed core affect and a greater decrease in the frequency of observations of an Interested core affect were associated with the natural conditions (Forest and Beach) rather than the non-natural conditions (U...