How Environmental Psychology can enrich your Psychology classes

How Environmental Psychology can enrich your Psychology classes Dr. Georjeanna Wilson-Doenges Chair, Psychology Department UW-Green Bay

5 Principles of Environmental Psychology Capable of improving the physical environment (applied) Carried out in everyday settings Considers person and setting as a holistic entity – social ecology Recognizes that people actively cope with and shape settings rather than just absorb them Interdisciplinary

The Restorative Effects of Nature

Consequences of Indoor Lifestyles Insomnia and chronic fatigue Depression – S. A. D. Bone disorders Fertility Problems, PMS, Irregular cycles Obesity and other food related illnesses Increase cancer risk Stress

Research and Theory: Restorative Environments Nature has been shown to provide opportunities for renewal of cognitive resources and psycho-physiological response capabilities.

People perceive nature as restorative and prefer natural environments Recent nationwide survey (Frerichs, 2004) showed 95% believe that a visit to nature relieves stress. Motives for recreating outdoors include stress reduction, clearing the head, escape from civilization, and reflection on the important things in life. People perceive nature as more beautiful and prefer it to the built environment.

Nature is Restorative More than 20 recent studies have concluded that exposure to nature (either passive viewing or active entry) is restorative Attention Restoration Theory (ART) (e. g. , Bagot, 2004; Berto, 2005; Lepore & Evans, 1996) – Directed attention fatigue = decreased concentration, increased irritability and stress – Nature restores by holding attention effortlessly (evolutionary history) and having high compatibility Psycho-physiological stress recovery (Hartig, et. al. , 2003) – After attention fatigue, nature (both brief views and walking) restores blood pressure to normal levels

Stress, Health and Restoration Ulrich’s (1984) surgical patient study found patients with a view of nature: – required less pain meds – were hospitalized 1 day less on average – received fewer negative evaluations from the nursing staff. Replicated with pictures of nature versus abstract art

Benefits of Residential Green Space Ineffective stress recovery may undermine physical health Urbanites without exposure to nature may display more symptoms of chronic stress. Residents with abundant green space close and somewhat close (1 -3 km) to home report fewer health problems (Maas, 2006). Presence of green space promotes exercise, social contacts, better air quality and less noise.