Environmental Psychology Frameworks to Human & Nature Interconnection

Environmental psychology is an emerging interdisciplinary field that explores the dynamic interplay between individuals and their physical environments, including both natural and built settings. Environmental Psychology can be defined as:

“The scientific study of the transactions and interrelationships between people and their physical surroundings (including built and natural environments, the use and abuse of nature and natural resources, and sustainability-related behavior).” (Journal of Environmental Psychology)

This field draws upon principles and methods from psychology, environmental science, evolutionary biology, neuroscience, architecture, urban planning, sociology, and other disciplines to understand how environmental factors influence human behavior, cognition, emotions, and well-being.

In this section, we will cover the following concepts and theories that have emerged from the field of environmental psychology that help us to understand the dynamic relationship between humans and the natural world: 

• Biophilia Hypothesis

• Attention Restoration Theory

• Stress Reduction Theory 

• Biodiversity & Human Health Pathways