Emotions elicited by neighbour noise and coping process: A social media research based on two newspaper articles

• Social media comments on neighbour noise were analysed using framework matrix. • Emotions for different elicitors were analysed implementing Emotion Typology Model. • Coping strategies were analysed implementing Skinner et al.’s categorical system. • Process model shows the relational patterns between emotions & coping strategies. • Prominent attitude conflicts and their effects on emotions & coping are discussed. This study explores emotional responses to indoor soundscapes of multistorey housing and the noise coping strategies selected by individuals through analysis of the social media comments made for two newspaper articles. 496 comments from 378 people were thematically analysed and coded according to noise occurrences, emotions, and coping strategies. Both positive and negative emotions appeared for all four groups of emotion elicitors: (1) sound/noise, (2) building, (3) neighbour and (4) complainer (neighbour noise sufferer). However, negative emotions were more common. Statistical analysis of group differences showed that emotions in opinion-based comments were more frequently targeting complainers compared to experience-based comments. Emotions did not differ according to sex, except noise-induced contempt (higher among men) and distress (higher among women). A model was proposed for neighbour noise induced emotions and coping process based on the observed patterns. Three attitudinal conflict types emerged among commenters and influenced emotions and the pathway in the process model: (1) Friend/enemy: Noise and social norms led to definitions of good and bad neighbours. (2) Intimacy/intrusion: Although some level of engagement is sought, information content of sounds and privacy caused more negative emotions but less active coping. (3) Belonging/exclusion: Complainers and noisemakers were expected to adapt or leave, relocation was common despite several constraints.