Exploring the relaxation potential of nature soundscapes and photography through field recordings and meditation nature walks

This thesis investigates the potential of nature soundscapes, paired with nature photography, to promote relaxation. The research opens with the context of the soundscape and R. Murray Schafer’s notion of acoustic ecology. Schafer’s work from the 1970s onward examines how individuals interact with sounds through cultural contexts and personal perceptions. His ideas have since permeated various disciplines, including well-being and audiovisual art. This thesis focuses on the intersection of soundscapes within meditation and well-being, as well as psychology and sound art, providing examples of contemporary artists as well as contemporary therapeutic practices for relaxation. This thesis also explores theories within audiovisuals, including Michel Chion’s added value approach in relation to sound and image. Likewise, key theories within soundscapes are explored, such as Schafer’s notions hi-fi, lo-fi, and concepts of positive and negative soundscape design. Practitioners and theorists who critique Schafer are included in this research: for example, Drever’s concept of aural diversity is addressed. Through the combined audio and visual experience, six nature soundscapes generated by the researcher during the COVID-19 crisis are explored within sound ecology, well-being, and audiovisual art. Three focus groups comprised of 4-6 participants each were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis method to examine the impact of culture, nature visuals, and the factors that contribute to individuals using nature soundscapes for relaxation. Additionally, the nature soundscapes were analysed using qualitative autoethnographic data in blogs and memories to explore the impact of the creative process. There is reflection on the creative process following the soundwalk methods of Schafer, Watson, and Westerkamp. The research concludes that nature sounds can promote relaxation, but it is dependent on the individual’s perception, culture, and memories. Thematic analysis determined that nature soundscapes prompted participants to have feelings evoked from their memories and associations. Online spaces using nature sound and nature images provided similar memories and associations that participants would have to real-world nature spaces. Autoethnographic analysis determined that the researcher coped with anxiety by carrying out the creative process (from the sound walk, composition of soundscapes, editing nature images, and playing back the final versions of the nature soundscapes). This thesis has an adjoining project titled Core Opulence, which the researcher used to share the research and findings. The research limitations address the lack of diversity within the small number of participants of the focus groups. Future recommendations suggest larger groups of participants with varying backgrounds outside of being university students. Practical implications include broadening the soundwalk process to account for disabilities. Originality of this research rests within broadening sound studies to include image. By providing equal weight to sound and image, nature soundscapes paired with photography are established as a form of audio and visual sound art.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

PhD

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wolverhampton

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Miller, Madison

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Doyle, Denise

• nature soundscapes
• sound art
• well-being
• audiovisual art
• sound ecology
• relaxation
• COVID-19
• creative practice
• imagined spaces
• virtual environments

Licence

• https://wlv.openrepository.com/bitstreams/eca7575e-19b5-421b-afd4-47455b52afee/download