What is Environmental Psychology: Definition, Characteristics and Examples

Within psychology there are a large number of different branches and fields, due to the diversity of objects of study and practical applications of this academic discipline. One of the youngest fields of study in psychology is environmental psychology. But what is environmental psychology? Environmental psychology investigates very different aspects that range from the effect of different environmental variables to the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly cities. If you want to know more about this field of psychology, continue reading this PsychologyFor article: What is environmental psychology: definition, characteristics and examples

What is environmental psychology

For a few years now, there has been greater concern and consideration for the environment and its problems. This increase in interest promotes the development of environmental awareness, which considers that human beings are responsible for the changes that occur in our environment, as well as this environment is capable of influencing our emotions and behaviors The existence of a bidirectional relationship between people and the environment is therefore highlighted. This concern fostered the birth of a new theoretical field or discipline within psychology: environmental psychology.

Environmental psychology: definition

What is environmental psychology? Environmental psychology was recognized as an interdisciplinary field within psychology in the 1960s. The definition of environmental psychology is as follows: study and analysis of the interrelationship and interaction of human beings with their environment It encompasses and distinguishes between natural, human-created, social, learning and informational environments.

The environmental psychology either ecological psychology focuses on the different behavioral and psychological variables of people in relation to the exchange that occurs with various environments. The environment is not a neutral space, but rather an environment marked with meanings. It consists of a context in which the space-time dimensions acquire great importance, as well as the cultural meanings and value and belief systems that develop therein. It is, therefore, the space that builds the functioning of the person and the behavior of the human being that in turn models this environment.

There are antecedents of environmental psychology in the decade of the 40s, in which the relationship between person and environment In this decade and that of the 1950s, the theoretical works of authors such as Kurt Lewin, Roger Barker and Herbert F. Wright stand out. These contributions culminated in the proliferation of studies in this field in the 70s and the consolidation of environmental psychology as its own discipline, differentiated from others. From this moment on, various authors analyze and develop various methodologies, concepts, and theoretical approaches to environmental psychology.

Likewise, knowledge about environmental or ecological psychology is collected and unified in manuals. One of the most notable is the handbook of environmental psychology by Charles J. Holahan from the year 1991. This environmental psychology book offers a definition, characteristics and object of study of environmental psychology, as well as bringing together knowledge and research on the relationship between the environment and the person, such as the importance of personal space, the effects of the environment on performance, the consequences of urban design etc.

Environmental psychology: characteristics

The characteristics that define environmental psychology are the following:

• Consideration of the relationships between humans and the environment as bidirectional, so the object of study of this discipline is the effects of the environment on people and the impact of human beings on the environment. Therefore, the reciprocal and mutual relationship between behavior and the ecological niche is studied.
• The environment is not only analyzed from a physical perspective, but also from a social perspective. This is why not only those physical variables of the environment, such as space and time, but also social ones, such as culture and value system, are taken into account. Both aspects have a great influence on the behavioral functioning of human beings. Therefore, in environmental psychology it is object of analysis the sociophysical environment
• The approach of environmental psychology is holistic, that is, analyzes the environment as a whole, in a comprehensive and integrated way. It is based on a global perspective, on the interaction of the different components of the environment, instead of the isolation of these elements and their partial and separate analysis.
• The orientation of environmental or ecological psychology is practical, so Its objective is to offer an applied answer to different social demands. Although environmental psychology develops concepts and theoretical explanations, it has an applied vocation; it is aimed at achieving changes in the environment that facilitate both human and environmental well-being. Therefore, there is an intimate relationship between theory and practice.
• environmental psychology It is interdisciplinary since it shares studies and draws on other disciplines such as biology, geography, architecture ergonomics, urban anthropology etc.
• The methodology used in this field of study It’s eclectic, which means that different methodological procedures are used in the research. The use of a variety of methods and experimental designs favors a more complete approach to the object of study.
• The perspective of environmental psychology It is non-deterministic, people are not considered passive subjects towards the environment, but rather beings capable and oriented towards the production of changes and alterations in the environment. There is a dynamic exchange of influences between humans and the environment.

What environmental psychology studie

Broadly speaking, the object of study and objective of environmental psychology is the interaction and interrelation between the person and the context, both physical and social. However, within this discipline we can distinguish various approaches or objects of study. Below, we list the different topics that environmental psychology studies:

• Relationship between physical space and behavior: research about the variables of physical space and their influence on human behavior. From this approach, personal space, territoriality, overcrowding, appropriation and distribution of spaces, etc. are analyzed.
• Influence of environmental variables on human behavior: studies the incidence of different environmental dimensions and their effects on people’s perceptions, cognitions and emotions, as well as their adaptation to them. Studies are included about elements such as environmental stress, noise, light, color, climate and temperature, and pollution and their effects. psychological and physical consequences About people. Also included are the effects on performance and the variability of the effects of these variables in different environments.
• Environmental design and planning: approach and creation of environments based on the consideration of environmental variables and their effects on people. On the other hand, it also applies to the design of environments and products that are ecological, respectable and sustainable for the environment, based on the consequences on the environment.
• Environmental knowledge: It refers to the subjective and mental representation that people have about their environment, as well as the meanings and emotions linked to it. This branch studies how human beings perceive and understand the environment on a personal level and organize it in the mind.
• Behaviors and attitudes towards the environment: analysis of cultural and psychological differences in the development of attitudes and awareness about the environment, as well as study of the factors that influence these. The different motivations that lead to concern about the environment are also analyzed.
• Relationship between population groups and their relationship with the environment: analysis of the specific needs of certain groups of the population in relation to the construction and distribution of spaces, as well as the difficulties they experience derived from this design.

Environmental psychology: example

Some examples of environmental psychology, research and objects of study in this discipline are the following:

• Great color contrasts They can negatively influence people’s work and visual performance, since they promote distraction.
• Another example of environmental psychology or ecological psychology is that the presence of various open public spaces in the territories they favor citizen participation, since these spaces facilitate associationism and the socialization of people
• The circular arrangement between people It stimulates communication, debate and exchange of ideas, because it is easier for everyone to look at each other.
• Research on norms and incentives in environmental behavior, such as promotion of recycling of empty containers with a small financial reward, as is being done in some Northern European countries.
• Regarding personal space, the square rooms, the high ceilings and the windows reduce the feeling of crowding.
• The urban planning of transportation, schools and residential centers based on the needs of children, older people and people with functional diversity.
• Design and construction of spaces that are safe for women, especially at night and in relation to harassment and aggression in public spaces. In the following article you will find How to prevent gender violence.
• Those social groups that are educated in the respect for the environment and conceive people as part of it, they develop greater environmental awareness While those groups that grow up in an individualistic value system and that place the human being as central more easily develop a selfish perspective about the environment and seek their own benefit from it.
• He development of sustainable cities by promoting the use of renewable energies and the reduction of emissions by companies is another example of environmental psychology.
• Effects of pollution on respiratory diseases, allergies, as well as alterations in psychological balance and increased stress and anxiety.
• Development of a good communication and transportation network as well as promoting the use of bicycles in the population with the aim of improving the environment.
• Another example of environmental psychology is research on the barriers that people perceive in terms of recycling, such as lack of knowledge, low availability of different nearby containers or the lack of perception of benefits from this behavior. Once the causes are known, solutions are addressed, such as environmental education and awareness campaigns or increase in containers.
• The personality differences and cultural based on the physical environment and variables such as temperature and climate. Seasonal affective disorder is an example of how the weather influences people.

This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to What is environmental psychology: definition, characteristics and examples we recommend that you enter our Social Psychology category.

Bibliography

• Aragonés, JI (2003). The developments of Environmental Psychology in the coming years. Psychology Studies (Natal), 8(2), 329-330.
• Hellohan. J.Charles (2005) Environmental Psychology. Madrid: Limusa
• López, GB (2006). An approach to environmental psychology. Foundations in humanities(13), 157-168.
• Roth, E. (2000). Environmental psychology: interface between behavior and nature. Science and culture magazine(8), 63-78.