Introduction
Population density is the number of people residing in an area depending on the size of the area. (Brannon & Feist, 2009) Noise is any sound that causes a disturbance in comfort and is usually loud or unpleasant. Population density has a direct effect on noise meaning that the higher the population density, the greater the noise.
Thus as people move to sparsely populated areas, the utility of privacy and territoriality is acknowledged. The coverage of privacy, territoriality and personal space will help us understand to what extent population density affects individual people.
Effect of territoriality
Territoriality can be described as guarding or protecting one’s space from the same species. There are three types of territoriality within the human species. They are primary, secondary and public territories. Primary territories are owned permanently by the individual such as the homes, while secondary territories are temporarily owned or rented such as car rental services.
Lastly, public territories are those that are owned by anyone and apply the rule of first come first serve basis such as fast food places or ticket offices at airports. The main aim of maintaining territoriality is to gain privacy; thus; primary territories have more privacy than the other two territories.
Territory can be categorized as a physical territory which is divided into body and personal territory, a social territory that entails the family, peers, the clan, religious and cultural associations and lastly the psychic history that entails the philosophic theories, opinions, plans, and dreams. (Brannon & Feist, 2009).
Effect of privacy and personal space
Privacy may be a separation of self from the rest. Hence, it can be said humans have less exposure of themselves to others. Personal space is the space where one is comfortable because it constitutes both primary territories and privacy. It is divided into four types that is social distance, intimate distance, personal distance, and public distance. Each has specific measurements that range from 0 to 25 feet. (Straub, 2006)
The social, cultural and biologic rules that draw the line between who is granted access to the stated distances and the rules of engagement once in these distances are pre=determined. (Arkkelin & Veitch, 1995). Private guidelines differ from individual to individual. Arkkelin & Veitch, go on to show the relationship between privacy and interpersonal relationships.
The demand for privacy and territoriality of an individual are directly proportional to the population density. To maintain the social input of an individual, there is a tendency of humans to safeguard their primary territories. Moreover, cross-cultural differences are mostly detected between different cultures.
Effect of nature
The effect of nature on individuals living in an urban environment is quite interesting. The scientists have found out that being in an urban environment impairs our basic mental process. This is due to the lack of nature which is very important for the brain. This is because they offer a mental break away from urban life.
The urban environment is crowded with people, traffic, industries institutes, and firms. It is certain that such unnatural places have vital effects on our mental and physical health and can strongly change how we reason. Proper alterations such as planting more trees, flowers, and plants in the city or urban parks can reduce the unpleasant effects of urban life.
The mind requires nature and even a little bit of nature can be of great concern. According to different studies, children suffering from attention deficit disorder have relatively fewer systems in natural settings. They have less behavioral problems when surrounded by gardens, trees and animals are capable of focusing on a specific task. The toil of city life does not only interfere with focus but also self-control.
It controls our ability to avoid temptation even as it surrounds us with it, from instance candy stores outlets to shoe selling outlets. The outcome is high calories and much credit card debts. Emotional control is also another factor. A tired brain can be easily triggered to lose its temper. Therefore, there is a great need for natural scenes that provide us with some relief.
People have spent years adapting to natural entities yet have always inhabited urban ones; this has created disparities between ancient and present ways of living; thus the emergence of chronic diseases. There has been a significant dominance of communicable diseases and inheritable diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and coronary heart diseases.
These have been associated with a change in the patterns of living, consuming and environmental exposure especially in the elderly. (Straub, 2006) About this nature can be defined as a variety of habitats composed of lands, animals, soil, water or air. Human need nature for psychological, emotional and spiritual needs and this can be gained by interacting with nature.
People living nearby natural surrounding are healthier than other beings. There are several ways in which we can engage with nature such as engaging in recreational activities, enjoying the natural scenery, studying and watching wild animals and participating in measures of conserving the environment. Sustainable urban development involves seeking urban plans and policies that strive to reduce the result of a city on the environment.
Urban planning is, therefore, a vital element in ensuring a sustainable future, and safeguarding of the environment to accelerate the quality of life of individuals. Urbanization has caused the value of natural areas to decrease this is because it has lead to a high human population density, exploitation of energy and resources and pollution of land and air. (Clayton & Myers, 2009)
Effect of noise
Noise is a component of the environment, and it comes from industrial sectors, transport sectors, and individuals among others. Noise disturbs the task performance; it changes social behavior and causes frustration that may lead to aggression. Noise pollution may lead to loss of hearing thus leading to communication problems. It also disturbs sleep.
Furthermore, noise exposure inhibits an effective performance. Physical effects of noise include stress, insomnia, tinnitus, and hearing loss. Urban open space focuses on maintaining balanced biodiversity thus ensuring environmental sustainability.
They also support a wide range of ecosystem. People also engage in physical activities thus boosting their health. The aesthetic value of the land on urban open spaces is also maintained. Moreover, management and conservation of nature are enhanced.
Strategies to reduce noise in the workplace include:
- Noise regulation- only a certain degree of noise should be reached within a certain day. Areas such as bowling centers, where sound absorbing materials are laid on the ceiling and floor (inbuilt) to reduce the noise level thus bearable.
- Placing the noisy machines in a separate room while projectors are kept away in cases as in auditorium.
- Use of effective and proper equipment.
- Using more quiet work processors.
On the other hand, reducing noise in the living environment may include:
- Designing proper homes.
- Use of absorbent material.
- Designating green zones.
- Agreeing with your neighbors to maintain a conducive environment.
Conclusion
It is therefore evident that the population density has a significant impact on how we live and relate to one another. Personal space and territoriality are important aspects to humanity which are altered by an increase in population density.
Nature also affects our basic mental processes such as our physical, emotional and spiritual well being. Our output as human beings is influenced by the environment. Noise, on the other hand, is also affected by the population density and should be maintained at a reduced level to reduce its health and physical effects mentioned above.
Population density should thus be regulated such that its change should be accompanied by a regulation of the factors that it alters and hence inhibiting the adverse effects associated with its change.
References
Arkkelin, D., Veitch, R. (1995). Environmental psychology : An Interdisciplinary Perspective , Prentice Hall: New York.
Brannon, L., & Feist, J. (2009). Health Psychology: An Introduction to Behaviour and Health, (7th edition), Cengage Learning: Florence.
Clayton, S., & Myers, G. (2009). Conservation Psychology: understanding and promoting human care for nature, Wiley Blackwell: New York.
Straub, R. (2006). Health Psychology: a biopsychosocial approach, (2nd Edition), Worth Publishers: New York.