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Perspectives in Environmental Psychology NOTES

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36 views2 pages

Perspectives in Environmental Psychology NOTES

Uploaded by

Ayesha Khalid
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Perspectives in Environmental Psychology

There are several perspectives in Environmental Psychology. These perspectives demonstrate


how various psychological theories explore the complex relationship between humans and their
environment, shaping behavior, attitudes, and interactions with physical spaces. Each perspective
offers valuable insights for understanding environmental psychology and its applications in
fields like urban design, conservation, and social policy. These perspectives are given below:

1. Geographical Determinism

This perspective suggests that geographic and ecological factors influence human societies
and individual behavior. It posits that too many environmental challenges can lead to societal
collapse, while too few can cause cultural stagnation. For example, societies that develop in
harsh, resource-scarce environments may evolve to be more communal and cooperative to
survive, while those in resource-rich areas may focus on individual success and competition.

2. Ecological Biology

Ecological biology studies the interdependence between organisms and their environments,
focusing on how living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) factors influence behavior and
population dynamics.

3. Behaviorism

Behaviorism emphasizes the role of the environment in shaping human behavior through
reinforcement and punishment. It explains how specific environmental stimuli lead to certain
behaviors, either by encouraging or discouraging them.

4. Gestalt Psychology

This approach focuses on how individuals perceive and organize their environment
holistically, rather than focusing on individual elements. It studies how people make sense of
the environment and how perception influences behavior.

5. Ecological Theory

Ecological theory emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between humans and their
environments, where both influence each other. According to this theory, human behavior
cannot be understood in isolation from the environmental context.

6. Behavioral Constraint Theory

This theory suggests that when individuals perceive their environment as threatening or
constraining, they will react in ways to cope or escape. This response occurs regardless of
whether the threat is real or perceived.
7. Adaptation Level Theory

This theory suggests that individuals adapt to a certain level of environmental stimulation,
which allows them to function optimally. If the level of stimulation is too high or too low, it
can lead to discomfort or poor performance.

8. Arousal Theory

Arousal theory focuses on how environmental stimuli affect physiological arousal, which in
turn influences behavior and performance. According to this theory, people perform best
when they experience an optimal level of arousal—neither too high nor too low.

9. Environmental Stress Theory

This theory suggests that people respond to environmental stressors based on their cognitive
appraisal of the situation. If an environmental stimulus is perceived as threatening, it causes
stress, and the person reacts accordingly

10. Environmental Load Theory

This theory proposes that humans have a limited capacity to process environmental
information. When the amount of stimulation exceeds this capacity (information overload), it
becomes difficult for individuals to manage, leading to stress or errors in decision-making.

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