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Environmental psychology studies how the environment affects human behavior, including social, natural, built, learning, and information environments. It uses a multidisciplinary approach and explores the effects of involuntary and voluntary stimuli on behavior. A person’s comfort level in their environment affects their behavior, and research has shown that environmental stressors can lead to physical illness and exhaustion. Coping mechanisms can provide a sense of control, but some may cause setbacks.
Environmental psychology is a science that studies how human behavior is affected by the environment. Environment in this context includes social, natural, built, learning, and information environments. Problems occur when humans interact with the environment. Using a model explores human behavior under given conditions, with design mechanisms that diagnose problems and predict possible outcomes. A person studying environmental psychology uses a multidisciplinary approach with other disciplines, such as psychology, ecological psychology, anthropology and sociology.
The various applications of environmental psychology broaden the theories and conclusions of research. Also, this is a newer psychological concept than many other disciplines. The effects of involuntary and voluntary stimuli are examined to understand human behavior.
A cognitive map of how people remember and interpret the natural and built environment of places or things determines human reaction. Some people remember experiences based on emotions, ideas or perceptions. Environmental psychologists might conduct environmental behavior studies or person-environment studies to determine how interaction with the environment affects human behavior. For example, a person’s comfort level in the home could come from the way the home is designed. Another example is how residents in a community might respond to the physical structure and design of public services.
Human nature seeks a place of comfort and familiarity to establish trust and a level of competence within the environment. Humans also seek consistency with different things. It is easy to disengage from an environment if these factors are not met. Conversely, curiosity can lead humans to explore the environment when an opportunity to learn something new and gain further knowledge is present. Environmental psychology assumes that the preferred environment, whether engaging or mysterious, leads to effective human behavior.
Research has revealed that environmental stressors and an inability to choose a preferred environment can lead to physical illness, feelings of helplessness, selfish behavior and exhaustion in trying to maintain an intellectual focus. As a result, people seek out coping mechanisms that provide a sense of control. A change in social or physical environment can remove stressors. Other coping techniques could lead to internalizing the stressor, causing mental or physical setbacks. Some people cope by interpreting the stressor as a natural part of the culture or environment.
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