• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.423-433
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• 2016

This study compared the effect of different types of sounds(no sounds, sounds of nature, music, and sounds of children playing) on profile of mood states(POMS) in a healing forest. Data were collected from 231 respondents selected from among visitors to the 'Healing Field' in 'Jangseong Chukryongsan Pyeonbaek Healing Forest' in October, 2012. Each respondent was exposed to one type of sound. The results showed that there were differences in POMS among the different sound treatment groups. Sounds of children playing showed negative effects on POMS. Unexpectedly, however, sounds of nature and musical sounds had no effects on POMS. These tendencies were consistently found not only for total mood disturbance score (TMDS) but also for POMS by factors (i. e. tension, anger, vigor, fatigue, confusion, depression). Perceived crowding level was positively correlated with TMDS(r=0.568) and POMS by factors (range: r=0.331 - 0.571). This paper discusses the research results and suggests several managerial implications.