* Introduction to Environmental Psychology
Expert-defined terms from the Postgraduate Certificate in Environmental Psychology Techniques course at UK School of Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Affective Experience refers to the emotions and feelings that people experience… #
This concept is central to Environmental Psychology, as it recognizes that people's emotional responses to their environment play a crucial role in shaping their behavior and interactions with the environment. Related terms include emotional experience, emotional intelligence, and affective forecasting. For example, a person's affective experience of a natural environment, such as a forest, can influence their likelihood of engaging in pro-environmental behaviors.
Affordance refers to the potential uses or actions that an environment or object… #
This concept, introduced by James Gibson, suggests that environments provide cues that guide human behavior and action. Related terms include perceived affordance, physical environment, and behavioral setting. For instance, a chair affords sitting, while a door affords entry or exit.
Attention Restoration Theory (ART) proposes that exposure to natural envi… #
This theory, developed by Rachel and Stephen Kaplan, suggests that natural environments provide a restorative environment that can help individuals recover from mental fatigue. Related terms include cognitive fatigue, attention deficit, and restorative environments. For example, taking a walk in a park can help restore attention and improve cognitive functioning.
Biophilia refers to the innate human tendency to seek connections… #
This concept, introduced by E.O. Wilson, suggests that humans have an evolutionary affinity for nature, which is essential for human well-being. Related terms include biophilic design, nature deficit disorder, and eco-psychology. For instance, incorporating natural elements, such as plants or natural light, into building design can promote biophilia and improve occupant well-being.
Built Environment refers to the physical surroundings that are created by… #
This concept is central to Environmental Psychology, as it recognizes that the built environment can influence human behavior, well-being, and quality of life. Related terms include urban planning, architecture, and environmental design. For example, the design of a building can influence occupant behavior, such as the use of stairs versus elevators.
Cognitive Mapping refers to the mental representation of an environment,… #
This concept, introduced by Kevin Lynch, suggests that people create cognitive maps to navigate and understand their environment. Related terms include wayfinding, spatial cognition, and environmental perception. For instance, a person's cognitive map of a city can influence their ability to navigate and find destinations.
Conservation Psychology refers to the study of human behavior and… #
This field of study recognizes that human behavior is a critical factor in environmental conservation, and seeks to understand the psychological factors that influence environmental behavior. Related terms include environmental education, conservation biology, and sustainability. For example, conservation psychology can inform the development of effective conservation programs and policies.
Context #
Dependent Memory refers to the phenomenon where memory recall is influenced by the environment in which the memory was formed. This concept, introduced by Godden and Baddeley, suggests that environmental cues can enhance or impair memory recall. Related terms include environmental psychology, memory theory, and cognitive psychology. For instance, a person's memory of a vacation may be triggered by environmental cues, such as the smell of saltwater or the sound of seagulls.
Crowding refers to the perceived density of an environment, which can … #
This concept, introduced by Jonathan Freedman, suggests that crowding can lead to stress, anxiety, and aggression. Related terms include personal space, privacy, and environmental stress. For example, a crowded public transportation system can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety.
Defensible Space refers to the design of an environment to promote … #
This concept, introduced by Oscar Newman, suggests that environmental design can influence crime rates and community cohesion. Related terms include crime prevention, urban design, and community development. For instance, the design of a public housing project can influence resident feelings of safety and security.
Eco #
Psychology refers to the study of the relationship between humans and the natural environment, with a focus on promoting environmental sustainability. Related terms include environmental psychology, conservation psychology, and sustainability. For example, eco-psychology can inform the development of effective environmental education programs.
Emotional Experience refers to the emotions and feelings that peop… #
Related terms include affective experience, emotional intelligence, and well-being. For instance, a person's emotional experience of a natural environment, such as a forest, can influence their likelihood of engaging in pro-environmental behaviors.
Environmental Aesthetics refers to the study of the aesthetic qual… #
This field of study recognizes that environmental aesthetics can influence human behavior, well-being, and quality of life. Related terms include environmental psychology, landscape architecture, and urban planning. For example, the aesthetic qualities of a public park can influence visitor behavior and well-being.
Environmental Cognition refers to the mental processes that people use to… #
This concept is central to Environmental Psychology, as it recognizes that people's cognitive processes play a crucial role in shaping their behavior and interactions with the environment. Related terms include cognitive mapping, wayfinding, and environmental perception. For instance, a person's environmental cognition of a city can influence their ability to navigate and find destinations.
Environmental Education refers to the process of teaching people a… #
This field of study recognizes that environmental education is critical for promoting pro-environmental behaviors and conserving natural resources. Related terms include conservation education, environmental literacy, and sustainability education. For example, environmental education programs can inform the development of effective conservation strategies.
Environmental Perception refers to the way that people perceive an… #
This concept is central to Environmental Psychology, as it recognizes that people's perceptions of their environment play a crucial role in shaping their behavior and interactions with the environment. Related terms include environmental cognition, cognitive mapping, and wayfinding. For instance, a person's environmental perception of a natural environment, such as a forest, can influence their likelihood of engaging in pro-environmental behaviors.
Environmental Psychology refers to the study of the relationship b… #
Related terms include eco-psychology, conservation psychology, and sustainability. For example, environmental psychology can inform the development of effective environmental policies and programs.
Environmental Stress refers to the physical and psychological s… #
This concept is central to Environmental Psychology, as it recognizes that environmental stress can influence human behavior, well-being, and quality of life. Related terms include stress theory, environmental health, and well-being. For instance, a person's environmental stress can influence their likelihood of engaging in pro-environmental behaviors.
Human Factors refers to the study of the interaction between human… #
Related terms include ergonomics, human factors engineering, and user experience. For example, human factors can inform the design of public spaces, such as parks and plazas.
Landscape Architecture refers to the design of outdoor spaces, inc… #
This field of study recognizes that environmental design can influence human behavior, well-being, and quality of life. Related terms include environmental design, urban planning, and landscape ecology. For instance, the design of a public park can influence visitor behavior and well-being.
Noise Pollution refers to the unwanted or excessive noise t… #
This concept is central to Environmental Psychology, as it recognizes that noise pollution can influence human behavior, well-being, and quality of life. Related terms include noise abatement, acoustics, and environmental health. For example, noise pollution can influence a person's likelihood of engaging in outdoor activities, such as walking or cycling.
Personal Space refers to the physical and psychological boundar… #
This concept is central to Environmental Psychology, as it recognizes that personal space can influence human behavior, well-being, and quality of life. Related terms include proxemics, territoriality, and privacy. For instance, a person's personal space can influence their likelihood of engaging in social interactions, such as conversations or meetings.
Place Attachment refers to the emotional and psychological conn… #
This concept is central to Environmental Psychology, as it recognizes that place attachment can influence human behavior, well-being, and quality of life. Related terms include place identity, community attachment, and environmental attachment. For example, a person's place attachment to a natural environment, such as a forest, can influence their likelihood of engaging in pro-environmental behaviors.
Restorative Environments refer to the natural or built environment… #
This concept is central to Environmental Psychology, as it recognizes that restorative environments can influence human behavior, well-being, and quality of life. Related terms include restoration theory, environmental psychology, and well-being. For instance, a person's restorative environment, such as a backyard garden, can influence their likelihood of engaging in outdoor activities, such as gardening or relaxation.
Sustainability refers to the ability to maintain or support … #
This concept is central to Environmental Psychology, as it recognizes that sustainability is critical for promoting environmental conservation and human well-being. Related terms include sustainable development, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility. For example, sustainability can inform the development of effective environmental policies and programs.
Territoriality refers to the behavioral and psychological pheno… #
This concept is central to Environmental Psychology, as it recognizes that territoriality can influence human behavior, well-being, and quality of life. Related terms include territorial behavior, personal space, and privacy. For instance, a person's territoriality can influence their likelihood of engaging in social interactions, such as conversations or meetings.
Thermal Comfort refers to the state of mind where a person feel… #
This concept is central to Environmental Psychology, as it recognizes that thermal comfort can influence human behavior, well-being, and quality of life. Related terms include thermal sensation, comfort zone, and indoor air quality. For example, a person's thermal comfort can influence their likelihood of engaging in outdoor activities, such as walking or cycling.
Urban Planning refers to the process of designing and managing<… #
This field of study recognizes that urban planning can influence human behavior, well-being, and quality of life. Related terms include urban design, landscape architecture, and environmental planning. For instance, the design of a public transportation system can influence commuter behavior and well-being.
Visual Perception refers to the process by which people perceive a… #
This concept is central to Environmental Psychology, as it recognizes that visual perception can influence human behavior, well-being, and quality of life. Related terms include visual cognition, environmental perception, and aesthetics. For example, a person's visual perception of a natural environment, such as a forest, can influence their likelihood of engaging in pro-environmental behaviors.
Well #
being refers to the state of being healthy, happy, and fulfilled, including physical, mental, and social well-being. This concept is central to Environmental Psychology, as it recognizes that well-being is critical for promoting environmental conservation and human health. Related terms include quality of life, happiness, and life satisfaction. For example, a person's well-being can influence their likelihood of engaging in pro-environmental behaviors, such as recycling or conserving energy.