Introduction to Environmental Psychology
1. What is Environmental Psychology?
Environmental Psychology is the study of the interplay between individuals and their surroundings,
including built environments, natural settings, and social contexts. Key Focus: How environments
shape human behavior, emotions, and well-being, and how individuals influence their environments.
2. Historical Background and Development Origins:
Emerged in the 1960s with the rise of environmental awareness and urbanization. Influences: Draws
from various disciplines like psychology, architecture, urban planning, and ecology.
Key Figures:
Egon Brunswik:
Known for his work on perception and how humans interpret environmental cues.
Roger Barker: Introduced the concept of "behavior settings" and the importance of context in
behavior.
3. The Person-Environment Relationship
1. Transactional Approach Concept: The transactional approach in Environmental Psychology asserts
that the relationship between humans and their environment is dynamic and reciprocal. This means
that individuals both influence and are influenced by their surroundings.
2. Behavioral Settings Concept:
Behavioral settings are specific environments that encourage certain types of behavior. The physical
characteristics of a place set boundaries or expectations for how people should behave there.
3. Place Attachment Concept:
Place attachment refers to the emotional bond that people form with particular places. This bond
can develop through personal experiences or through cultural significance associated with the place.
4. Environmental Stressors Concept:
Environmental stressors are aspects of an environment that cause physical or psychological stress.
These include noise, overcrowding, pollution, poor lighting, and extreme temperatures.
5. Restorative Effects of Nature Concept:
Natural environments have a restorative effect on mental and physical health, helping individuals
recover from stress and improve their overall well-being.
6. Applications in Urban Design Concept:
Urban design and architecture can be influenced by principles of Environmental Psychology to
create environments that promote well-being. Example: In “Copenhagen, Denmark”, urban planners
have emphasized creating bike lanes and walk able streets, which encourages physical activity and
reduces car dependency. This design improves both physical health (from increased exercise) and
mental well-being (by reducing noise and air pollution).
7. Sustainability and Behavior Change Concept:
Environmental Psychology is crucial for promoting pro-environmental behaviors and sustainability.
Understanding the psychological motivations behind behaviors can help design interventions that
encourage sustainable actions.
8. Impact of Climate Change on Mental Health Concept:
Environmental Psychology also looks at the psychological impacts of global environmental issues,
such as climate change.
Conclusion:
The examples provided illustrate how Environmental Psychology helps us understand the interaction
between people and their environments. Whether it's how a library promotes certain behaviors or
how urban design can foster healthier lifestyles, Environmental Psychology provides tools to create
spaces that enhance well-being, promote sustainability, and reduce stress.
4. Types of Environments in Environmental Psychology
Built Environment:
Human-made surroundings such as cities, buildings, and infrastructure.
Natural Environment:
Wilderness, parks, and green spaces that impact mental and physical health.
Social Environment:
Cultural, social, and communal factors that shape interactions within environments.
5. Why Study Environmental Psychology?
Applications:
1. Urban Planning: How cities are designed to improve well-being (e.g., walkability, green spaces).
2. Sustainability: Promoting eco-friendly behavior by understanding the psychology of
environmental attitudes.
3. Health and Well-being: Using design to reduce environmental stressors and enhance mental
health.
4. Importance in Modern Society: Increasing urbanization, climate change, and environmental crises
make it essential to understand the psychological impacts of these changes.
Conclusion:
Environmental Psychology explores the dynamic relationship between individuals and their
surroundings. - The discipline has grown from concerns about urbanization, environmental
degradation, and well-being. - By understanding how environments affect behavior, we can design
better spaces for living, working, and promoting health.
