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Relaxing Effect Induced by Forest Sound in Patients with Gambling Disorder

Author

Listed:
  • Hiroko Ochiai

    (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, 2-5-1 Higashigaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8902, Japan
    These authors contribute equally to this work.)

  • Chorong Song

    (Department of Forest Resources, Kongju National University, 54 Daehak-ro, Yesan-eup, Yesan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do 32439, Korea
    Center for Environment, Health and Field Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwa-no-ha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
    These authors contribute equally to this work.)

  • Hyunju Jo

    (Center for Environment, Health and Field Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwa-no-ha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
    These authors contribute equally to this work.)

  • Masayuki Oishi

    (Oishi Clinic, 4-41 Yayoicho, Naka-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa 231-0058, Japan)

  • Michiko Imai

    (Le Verseau Inc., 3-19-4 Miyasaka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-0051, Japan)

  • Yoshifumi Miyazaki

    (Center for Environment, Health and Field Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwa-no-ha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan)

Abstract

The number of people addicted to gambling has increased worldwide. They often suffer from debilitating medical conditions associated with stress or depression. This study examined the physiological and psychological reactions of gambling disorder (GD) patients while listening to high-definition forest or city sounds using headphones. In total, 12 Japanese male GD patients were exposed to high-definition forest or city sound waves for 1 min via headphones. Near-infrared spectroscopy of the prefrontal cortex was used to examine oxyhemoglobin (oxy-Hb) concentrations. Heart rate and heart rate variability are indicators of autonomic nervous function. We performed subjective evaluation via the modified version of the semantic differential (SD) method with the profiles of the mood states (POMS). Experiencing forest sounds led to substantial differences as opposed to listening to city sounds: (1) oxy-Hb levels of the bilateral prefrontal cortices were lower (2) the modified SD method resulted in increased comfortable and relaxed feelings, (3) the negative POMS subscale scores were significantly lower, indicating that negative emotions diminished markedly when patients listened to forest sounds. This is the first study to show that sounds of forest relaxed individuals physiologically and psychologically to minimize GD.

Suggested Citation

  • Hiroko Ochiai & Chorong Song & Hyunju Jo & Masayuki Oishi & Michiko Imai & Yoshifumi Miyazaki, 2020. "Relaxing Effect Induced by Forest Sound in Patients with Gambling Disorder," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(15), pages 1-9, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:15:p:5969-:d:389091
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Poung-Sik Yeon & Jin-Young Jeon & Myeong-Seo Jung & Gyeong-Min Min & Ga-Yeon Kim & Kyung-Mi Han & Min-Ja Shin & Seong-Hee Jo & Jin-Gun Kim & Won-Sop Shin, 2021. "Effect of Forest Therapy on Depression and Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-27, December.
    2. Dongfang Zhu & Linsheng Zhong & Hu Yu, 2021. "Progress on Relationship between Natural Environment and Mental Health in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-17, January.

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