Effects of noise on anxiety related to the experience of dining in restaurants

Noisy environments can have a negative impact on wellbeing. While most research related to noise has focused on hearing, sleep, performance and cardiovascular health, investigations of the detrimental effects of noise on mental health show conflicting evidence in relation to depression, anxiety and chronic stress. Our study investigates the relationship between noise exposure and anxiety in the indoor restaurant environment, exploring the predictive value of individual noise sensitivity, noise annoyance and personality factors on self-reported anxiety levels while dining in a restaurant. This mixed methods survey using validated measures with a random sample (n=274, >18 years), predicts high scores in noise sensitivity and noise annoyance corresponding with increased levels of anxiety, and further, anxiety levels in attending a restaurant predicted by Big Five Personality characteristics of Extraversion and Neuroticism. Regression analysis results show statistical significance for noise sensitivity and noise annoyance as strong predictors of self-reported anxiety. Neuroticism predicted anxiety, while Extraversion and Agreeableness did not uniquely predict anxiety. Conscientiousness had a significant negative relationship with anxiety experienced in restaurant dining. Individual characteristics of personal experiences of restaurants diners are discussed, suggesting design and layout implications for restauranteurs in addressing of noise effects in their establishments.