Project Soothe: A pilot study evaluating the mood effects of soothing images collected using a citizen science approach

Project Soothe images were rated to be significantly more soothing than anxiety- or excitement-inducing. Viewing 25 images was significantly associated with an increase in positive affect and decrease in negative affect. These effects were associated with age and depressive symptoms, with older individuals and those with lower depressive symptoms being associated with more positive changes in mood.