What Is Environmental Psychology

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What is Environmental Psychology? Darlene Blake PSY/460 August 27, 2012 Robert Irizarry The aim of environmental psychology is to systematically and scientifically study the effects of the environment on people and also to study the effects that people have on the environment (Clayton & Myers, 2009). Research in this discipline helps to design a working parameter in which people can begin to understand their role in conserving and maintaining their environment as it also supports and maintains them. Environmental psychology is a specialty in psychology. It studies the influences of people on their environment. It is characterized by both systematic theory and a concern for practical application.. The perspective of environmental psychology embraces the interplay between people and their environment. It aims to define the rules for human interaction with the environment. The main focus of environmental psychology is to recognize the reciprocal influence the environment and people have on each other. As the environment provides us with resources like food, water, shelter, and other necessities so we must learn to care, nurture, conserve, and protect our environment (Clayton & Myers, 2009). Theoretical Approaches Two theoretical approaches to environmental psychology are evolutionary psychology and biophillia. According to evolutionary psychology the mind and behavior evolves as a means for man’s survival. Evolutionary psychology’s aim is to identify parts of the mind or the systems within the mind such as perceptions, thought processes, and biases that can be associated with the environment. According to evolutionary psychology changes in human systems were necessary for man’s need for adaption, which was necessary for survival. The environment showed the particular changes that were necessary such as mating. Rather than man deciding what they had
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