Intro Environmental Psychology - Lecture 2a Notes

1F03 Environmental Psychology - Lect 2a Notes: Environmental psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with the interaction between individuals and their environment. The field is solely occupied with studying the influences of the environment on human behavior and health and the impact of people on the environment. Key Concepts Discussed Place Attachment: The emotional bond between a person and a specific place. Environmental Perception: How we perceive and interpret the environment around us Behavior Settings: Social and physical situations that encourage certain behaviors. Sustainability: Practices that meet current needs without compromising future generations Applications Environmental psychology has various practical applications: ● Urban Planning: Designing cities to promote well-being and reduce stress. ● Workspaces: Creating environments that enhance productivity and job satisfaction. ● Conservation Efforts: Encouraging behaviors that protect the environment. ● Healthcare: Designing hospitals that promote recovery and reduce anxiety. Important Research Methods: Common research methods in environmental psychology include: 1. Surveys: Collecting data from large groups to understand general trends. 2. Experiments: Controlled studies to test hypotheses about environmental influences. 1F03 3. Case Studies: In-depth analysis of specific instances or locations. 4. Field Studies: Observing behaviors in real-world settings. Important Theories and Challenges ● ● ● Attention Restoration Theory: Suggests that natural environments help restore depleted cognitive resources. Biophilia Hypothesis: Proposes that humans have an innate tendency to seek connections with nature. Stress Recovery Theory: Indicates that exposure to natural environments can reduce stress and improve mood. Challenges: ● ● ● Climate Change: Addressing the psychological impacts of climate change on individuals and communities. Resource Depletion: Finding sustainable solutions to manage limited natural resources. Urbanization: Balancing development with the need for green spaces and natural environments.