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What Creates Unsafe Feelings in Rural Landscapes: A Study of Perceived Safety Based on Facial Expression Recognition

Author

Listed:
  • Jiayi Wang

    (College of Arts, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610017, China)

  • Zhenhong Yang

    (School of Architecture, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China)

  • Yu Lei

    (College of Computer Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610017, China)

  • Tianhang Peng

    (School of Mathematics, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610017, China)

  • Tao Long

    (West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610017, China)

  • Jiayi Liu

    (College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610017, China)

  • Haonan Li

    (College of Arts, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610017, China)

  • Jie Yang

    (College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610017, China)

  • Miao Lu

    (College of Arts, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610017, China)

Abstract

Over 3 billion people live in rural, unincorporated areas globally, which are vital for habitation and production. The perceived safety of these landscapes significantly impacts health and well-being. However, rural areas, as natural environments for urban populations to connect with nature, have not been sufficiently addressed in terms of safety concerns. Negative factors often outweigh those promoting safety, limiting the restorative potential of rural landscapes. This study collected rural audio–visual samples through photography and recording, captured facial emotional responses using facial expression recognition models, collected psychological response data using the rural perceived unsafety scale, and statistically evaluated safety perceptions in rural landscapes. Results indicate that (1) audio stimuli exert a stronger influence on perceived unsafety than visual stimuli, with an EUPI (Emotional Unsafety Perception Index) value 44.8% higher under audio conditions than visual conditions; (2) artificial sounds amplify perceived unsafety by 30.9% compared to natural sounds; (3) different animal sounds show significant variations in reducing perceived unsafety, with birds and pigs identified as positive factors; (4) visual factors like plant shading and buildings strongly increase perceived unsafety; and (5) audio–visual matching complicates perceived safety. For the first time, we identify auditory stimuli as the dominant factor in perceived safety in rural landscapes. These insights establish a scientific foundation and practical guidance for improving perceived safety in rural environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiayi Wang & Zhenhong Yang & Yu Lei & Tianhang Peng & Tao Long & Jiayi Liu & Haonan Li & Jie Yang & Miao Lu, 2025. "What Creates Unsafe Feelings in Rural Landscapes: A Study of Perceived Safety Based on Facial Expression Recognition," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-33, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:3:p:575-:d:1608520
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jos F. Brosschot & Bart Verkuil & Julian F. Thayer, 2018. "Generalized Unsafety Theory of Stress: Unsafe Environments and Conditions, and the Default Stress Response," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-27, March.
    2. Marcus Hedblom & Bengt Gunnarsson & Martin Schaefer & Igor Knez & Pontus Thorsson & Johan N. Lundström, 2019. "Sounds of Nature in the City: No Evidence of Bird Song Improving Stress Recovery," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-12, April.
    3. Shuai Jiang & Haoran Ma & Ling Yang & Shixian Luo, 2023. "The Influence of Perceived Physical and Aesthetic Quality of Rural Settlements on Tourists’ Preferences—A Case Study of Zhaoxing Dong Village," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-18, August.
    4. Cristina Calleri & Arianna Astolfi & Anna Pellegrino & Francesco Aletta & Louena Shtrepi & Elena Bo & Martina Di Stefano & Paola Orecchia, 2019. "The Effect of Soundscapes and Lightscapes on the Perception of Safety and Social Presence Analyzed in a Laboratory Experiment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-19, May.
    5. Zhenhong Yang & Xiaoying Zhao & Lin Zhu & Yishi Xia & Yixin Ma & Jingyan Wu & Xueqian Xiong & Ni Yang & Miao Lu, 2023. "Research on the Healing Potential of Urban Parks from the Perspective of Audio-Visual Integration: A Case Study of Five Urban Parks in Chengdu," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-25, June.
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