Testing a theory of aircraft noise annoyance: A structural equation analysis

Abstract

Previous research has stressed the relevance of nonacoustical factors in the perception of aircraft noise. However, it is largely empirically driven and lacks a sound theoretical basis. In this paper, a theoretical model which explains noise annoyance based on the psychological stress theory is empirically tested. The model is estimated by applying structural equation modeling based on data from residents living in the vicinity of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in The Netherlands. The model provides a good model fit and indicates that concern about the negative health effects of noise and pollution, perceived disturbance, and perceived control and coping capacity are the most important variables that explain noise annoyance. Furthermore, the model provides evidence for the existence of two reciprocal relationships between ͑1͒ perceived disturbance and noise annoyance and ͑2͒ perceived control and coping capacity and noise annoyance. Lastly, the model yielded two unexpected results. Firstly, the variables noise sensitivity and fear related to the noise source were unable to explain additional variance in the endogenous variables of the model and were therefore excluded from the model. And secondly, the size of the total effect of noise exposure on noise annoyance was relatively small. The paper concludes with some recommended directions for further research.

Impact of noise on self-rated job satisfaction and health in open-plan offices: a structural equation modelling approach

“…Structural equation modeling allows for causal pathways to be tested and estimates both the indirect and direct effects. The SEM also allows for the use of all of the potential variables, rather than eliminating those that might be considered potential confounders (Kroesen et al, 2008;Tse et al, 2012). Therefore, in the present study, the SEM was used to explain the routes of noise disturbance and the participants' psychophysiological reactions.…”

A measurement model for general noise reaction in response to aircraft noise

“…Perceived health effects of noise (McKennell, 1963) Fear of aircraft accidents (Leonard and Borsky, 1973) Fear of danger/health effect (Lercher, 1996) Fear of the noise source (Miedema and Vos, 1999) Fear or harm connected with the noise source (Guski, 1999) Fear of property devaluation due to aircraft noise (Kroesen et al, 2008) Third, in line with the strategy outlined by Edwards (2001), the construct validity of GNR will be assessed. This will be done in three ways.…”

Measuring subjective response to aircraft noise: The effects of survey context

“…To various extents each of these definitions (and related frames) of noise annoyance have received empirical support . For example, in statistical (multivariate) models, constructs covering feelings of fear and control, perceived disturbance, attitudes toward the noise source, and knowledge about health effects, have been found to be strongly related to noise annoyance (Guski, 1999;Taylor, 1984;Kroesen et al, 2008). Noise annoyance can therefore (partly) be seen as a reflection of feelings, disturbance, attitudes, and knowledge (Kroesen and Schreckenberg, 2011).…”