Low Frequency Noise (LFN): an environmental stressor causing impairments in cognitive functioning, coping strategies and stress

Brenninkmeijer, Eva (2022) Low Frequency Noise (LFN): an environmental stressor causing impairments in cognitive functioning, coping strategies and stress. Master thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

Several studies have underlined the importance of looking into the psychological and neuropsychological effects of Low Frequency Noise (LFN)-sensitive individuals. The current study investigated the impact of LFN on daily stress, coping strategies and the cognitive functions of Working memory (WM) and processing speed (PS). The observational, cross-sectional research design included two conditions: a LFN group and control group. Stress and coping were assessed using the APLN and the COPE-EASY questionnaires (sample 1, N=575). WM and processing speed were assessed during a four hour neuropsychological assessment battery (sample 2, N=128), which included the TMT-A, Dutch fluency test (D/A/T), PASAT, VSWMT and the WAIS Digit span test. The expectations were that LFN-sensitive individuals would (1) have slower processing speed, (2) diminished WM, (3) experience more stress on a daily basis and (4) use more coping strategies. Results showed support for the last two hypotheses, but no significant group difference was found between the LFN and control group for WM, except visual WM, and processing speed. The study helped deepen the understanding and support of psychological complaints for LFN perceiving individuals. Additionally, future research is needed to (1) look into other variables (e.g. Personality, attention, visual WM) or possible mediators which could impact LFN-sensitive individuals, (2) explore the impact of LFN using an experimental research design, and (3) find out which therapies or interventions are successful in reducing stress and improving of coping strategies in LFN sufferers.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Supervisor name:	Erdelyi, K.H.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	Clinical Neuropsychology (CN) [Master Psychology]
Date Deposited:	10 Mar 2023 10:14
Last Modified:	10 Mar 2023 10:14
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/1784

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