how environmental psychology can enrich your psychology classes dr. georjeanna wilson-doenges chair,...
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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.