Title: Environmental Psychology Frameworks to Human & Nature Interconnection
Course: Nature & Human Wellness eeCourse > Section: Module 3: Impact of Nature on Human Health & Development

Environmental Psychology Introduction

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

Biophilia Hypothesis

The Biophilia Hypothesis, proposed by biologist Edward O. Wilson in the 1980s, suggests that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other living beings (Kellert & Wilson, 1993). It proposes that because humans evolved in natural environments over millions of years, we have an inherent affinity for nature. This hypothesis implies that exposure to nature is not just pleasant but also vital for our psychological, emotional, and even physical well-being.  Wilson's hypothesis stemmed from his observations of human behaviors and interactions with nature, as well as studies in psychology and evolutionary biology. He argued that our modern disconnection from nature in urbanized environments might contribute to various societal and psychological issues.
Since its initial inception, interdisciplinary scientists have researched and tested the Biophilia Hypothesis using diverse methodologies and approaches to study and advance the concept of biophilia, contributing to a growing body of evidence supporting the idea that humans have an innate affinity for nature and that contact with nature is essential for our physical, psychological, and social well-being.

TASK: Skim through the following paper - read sections of interest to you for a better understanding of Biophilia Hypothesis: “Biophilia as Evolutionary Adaptation”

Attention Restoration Theory

Attention Restoration Theory (ART) is a psychological framework proposed by Rachel and Stephen Kaplan in the 1980s. It suggests that exposure to natural environments can restore attentional capacities that become depleted through sustained cognitive effort or directed attention. According to ART, natural settings provide a unique combination of fascination and effortless attention, allowing individuals to recover from mental fatigue and restore cognitive resources.

This theory suggests that natural environments have certain characteristics, such as being inherently interesting, possessing a sense of coherence, and providing opportunities for fascination and reflection, which facilitate attention restoration. This theory has influenced research on the psychological benefits of nature exposure and has implications for education settings, urban planning, environmental design, and stress reduction strategies.

TASK: Read “What is Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory?”

Stress Reduction Theory

Stress Reduction Theory (SRT), developed by Roger Ulrich in the early 1980s, suggests that exposure to natural environments reduces stress and promotes recovery. Ulrich suggests that natural settings with elements like vegetation and water are inherently soothing due to our evolutionary history, providing a sense of safety and encouraging relaxation. Research has shown this exposure leads to positive emotions and decreases in physiological stress indicators - such as heart rate or blood pressure. Another important theory, SRT highlights the restorative effects of nature in a way that has potential to influence the design of healthcare facilities and urban planning to enhance mental health and well-being.(Ulrich et al., 1991)

TASK: Read “Stress Reduction and the Natural World”

Biodiversity & Human Health Pathways Framework

Building on evidence from across the natural, social, and health sciences, a team of environmental psychologists and interdisciplinary researchers have recently put forth the “Biodiversity & Health Pathways Framework” (Marselle, M et. al., 2021) a conceptual framework organizing the pathways linking biodiversity to human health. We’ll take a deeper look at this framework later on in Module 3 of the course by using the pathway domains to further study the biological and psychological benefits of nature on human health and well-being.

The pathways of the Biodiversity & Health Pathways Framework fall into the following four domains:

- Reducing harm (provision of medicines, decreasing exposure to air and noise pollution, etc.)
- Restoring capacities (attention restoration, stress reduction)
- Building capacities (promoting physical activity, transcendent experience, etc.)
- Causing harm (dangerous wildlife, zoonotic diseases, allergens, etc.)

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms (species diversity), their genes (genetic diversity), and the ecosystems they form (ecosystem diversity) in a particular area or across the globe. It encompasses the wide array of plants, animals, microorganisms, and the ecological complexes of which they are part. Biodiversity is the living fabric of nature, and the health and functioning of natural systems depend on its richness and variety.

TASK: To learn more about biodiversity, watch this video: “Biodiversity and Human Impacts”

Journal Reflection

In your course journal on your own time, please reflect on the following questions:

- Choosing one of the 2 articles (either “Biophilia as Evolutionary Adaptation” or “What is Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory?”), describe how you think the research on your choice supports the idea of human and nature connections.
  - What was the most convincing support for this within your chosen article, and why do you think it is so compelling?
  - Now that you have been introduced to the concept of Biodiversity (the 3 levels of biodiversity, and human connections and impacts on biodiversity):

- Reflect in your journal how you believe that biodiversity relates to your own well-being (mental, physical, emotional or otherwise).
  - Do you think Biodiversity does impact human wellness? ? In what ways (list 3)?
  - Are we as humans important when it comes to any or all of the layers of biodiversity?
  - Describe 3 ways we as humans impact biodiversity (positive or negative or both).