Definition of the Environmental psychology Discipline
Environmental psychology refers to an interdisciplinary area which is centered on the relationship between the human-beings and their environment. This field describes the phrase environment extensively, comprising of natural surroundings, social structure, constructed surroundings or dwellings and informational surroundings. When one is resolving predicaments concerning human-surrounding relationships, whether world-wide or regional, one should have an approach of human being, which foresees the environmental situations in which people will conduct themselves in an imaginative and respectable approach. With such an approach, one can protect, design and manage surroundings, which promote constructive and applicable character, oversee what is the probable result if the situations are not achieved and eventually treat the problem conditions. This paper will address the issues of environmental psychology.
Environmental psychology field identifies the importance of being problem-oriented. The field tackles environmental predicaments like urban decay, degradation, crowding and density, sub-standard living, water pollution, air pollution and noise pollution. For instance, noise pollution as an environmental problem raises environmental stress. In addition, crowding and density have been confirmed to have tremendous impact on mood and might lead to stress-associated diseases. In order to comprehend and find solutions to the environmental predicaments, the environmental personnel consider that the components and concepts ought to rise from the predicament being addressed and the physical surroundings. Therefore, the importance of environmental psychology is for the purpose of dissemination and development of the research structure of the environment, thus, advancing the comprehension of the interactions between individuals, their natural and built environments, and assisting to form surroundings which are receptive to human requirements (Bell, Greene, Fisher & Baum, 2005, p. 2-3).
Theoretical approaches
Much of the experiential and theoretical work in the environmental psychology has been designed directly by a metatheoretical approach called constructivism which sees perceptual experience as significantly a cognitive procedure. As a result of accepting this approach, the environmental personnel have centered their examination on cognitive procedures instead of the environment. Nevertheless, the responsibility carried out by the cognitive procedure in the insight is a role of the level to which exceptional features of the surrounding are defined in the data accessible to the observer. In addition, the existing interest by the environmental personnel on cognitive procedure might mirror and undervalue the wealth of the environmental data (Heft, n.d, p.227).
The second theoretical approach is called the Gibson’s approach. This environmental approach evaluation of the perception shows that ecological significance and outline are unswervingly defined in close light. As a result, this approach states that the surrounding is a direct and direct causal factor of achievement and perception. In addition, the approach gives an outline that permits one to understand the goal and psychologically importance explanation of the surrounding or environment (Heft, n.d, p.227).
Though, the two theoretical approach analysis on issues regarding the environment, they are both different. The constructivism approach focuses on the impact of the character setting of individuals; the cognitive process. It mainly looks at the effects of the individuals’ behavior on the environment. On the other hand, the Gibson’s approach mainly addresses the specific consequences the surrounding on behavior or character. The Gibson’s approach or model assist in predicting the several effects of environmental declension and at the same time the deficiency or incidence of visible impacts like certain stressors such as extremes of cold and heat and density and crowding (Bell, Greene, Fisher & Baum, 2005, p. 116).
Importance of research in the field of environmental psychology
To facilitate a better model or approach in the field of environmental psychology, research is important because a classification of environmental predicaments and of characters which is appropriate to their resolution is offered. The aspect of straightforwardness is significant for environmentally important psychology since it is easier to blunder on either too little or too much interest for ultimately applicable characters. Therefore, research is important in the environmental psychology field since it evaluates the solutions to environmental predicaments instead of the predicaments themselves (Bonnes & Secchiaroli, 1995, p.3).
Carrying out research within the field of environmental psychology is of great importance since the problems that are found in the environment result to several deaths. In addition, these deaths are preventable if the right measures are applied. Therefore, research in the field of environmental psychology will help one identify the source of a problem, diagnose the problem and later come up with the remedies. If the remedies offered are applied appropriately, the rate of morbidity and mortality will lower. In addition, in the quality of life of the individuals is improved, people will be in a position to work and be more productive. As a result, this will boost and improve the country’s economy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, environmental psychology is of great significance. This is because, with an imaginative and decent approach, one can protect, design and manage surroundings, which promote constructive and applicable character, oversee what is the probable result if the situations are not achieved and eventually treat the problem conditions
Reference
Bell, A., Greene, T., Fisher, J., & Baum, S., (2005). The Why, what, and how of environmental psychology. Environmental Psychology. Web.
Bonnes, M., & Secchiaroli, G., (1995). The origin of the field: the importance of external factor factors. Environmental psychology: a psycho-social introduction. Web.
Heft, H., (n.d). An Examination of Constructivist and Gibsonian Approaches to Environmental Psychology. 2010. Web.