Environmental psychologists study how the environment affects mental states, including color, sound, smell, and temperature, and use their findings to design environments that promote desired reactions. They require multidisciplinary education and research skills, and their job involves communicating with decision-makers and making recommendations based on feasibility and cost. The field is growing due to increased awareness of the impact of the environment on people’s well-being.
An environmental psychologist studies the effects a person’s environment has on their mental state, and environmental psychologists’ findings are used to formulate plans and processes that will allow people to feel comfortable and comfortable in their social or work environments. Certain colors, for example, evoke different emotional states. This knowledge is used to enable employers, hospitals or retailers to promote a response, whether the desired effect is calm, satisfaction or energy.
The field is not limited to decoration concerns. Sound, smell, and temperature influence the effectiveness of the desired reaction. For example, classrooms can be designed to facilitate learning through the natural responses of the mind and body to the environment. In many ways, the environmental psychologist does for the mind what an ergonomist does for the body. It helps design objects that work more efficiently for the user.
Psychologists typically hold doctorates in psychology, but the job of an environmental psychologist requires their education to be multidisciplinary. The social sciences, architecture and natural sciences feature prominently in the field. A person with several degrees can serve as an environmental psychologist, however, starting in the 1970s in Great Britain, some universities began to establish degree programs in this field.
The job description of an environmental psychologist presents many research-oriented tasks. In addition to data analysis, the psychologist must be able to communicate this analysis to decision makers and politicians. He or she should also be knowledgeable about construction techniques and be able to make accurate recommendations based on feasibility and cost.
Conducting interviews and reviewing plans may also form part of the typical duties of an environmental psychologist. Experience in seeking to improve or adjust existing environmental features may be required. The psychologist also needs to be available for public forums if civil and municipal projects are affected by their findings. As in other health professions, continuing education is required.
The growing awareness that the environment can affect people unintentionally, along with the desire to address social and environmental concerns, indicates that this field will grow. Environmental psychologists are needed in the corporate and government sectors to help create healthier environments for populations to live and work. It is becoming an increasingly valuable role in the modern world.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
