Environmental Psychology - Topic 5 Flashcards
What are some of the characteristics of an urban environment?
densely populated city more industrial taller buildings higher temperature more polluted
What are some of the characteristics of a rural environment?
low pop. density away from main city slower pace of life spread out less buildings
What type of behaviour does overcrowding affect?
social interaction
helping behaviour
What happened in Bickman’s study on helping behaviour?
looked at % of letters posted on to the addressee in high, medium and low pop. density student dorms
What did Bickman’s study find?
high proportion of posted letters in low density (88%)
lowest in high density (58%)
What are the three factors of defensible space?
zones of territory (fences/hedges)
surveillance (overlooking an area)
image/milieu (nicer area nicer people)
Who came up with the idea of defensible space?
Newman
Why do residents not identify with communal areas?
diffusion of responsibility
if there are no territorial markers then they will feel like the area isn’t theirs
What is defensible space?
areas that people have around them that they can territorialise (found more in urban areas as you don’t have enough space)
What is the difference in crime rates between rural and urban areas?
rural -> new forest, 225 crimes, arson & burglary
urban -> soton centre, 760 crimes, theft, shoplifting, 10x the national average of violent crimes
Whats the difference in mental health between urban and rural areas?
rural -> 81% reported positive well being
urban -> increased chance of anxiety and depression due to lack of personal space
What is the difference in physical health between urban and rural areas?
rural -> diabetes is more likely, not as much access to hospitals
urban -> heat related illnesses common
What is the difference in mortality rates in urban and rural areas?
rural -> higher life expectancy, mortality rate higher for women
urban -> more violent deaths are more common
What was the aim of Ulrich’s study?
investigate the impact of a window view on recover from surgery
What was the sample used in Ulrich’s study?
46 patients aged 20-69 23 matched pairs 15 female pairs 8 male pairs
What 4 factors were the participants in Ulrich’s study matched on?
age
gender
weight
smoker/non-smoker
What were the 5 DV’s used in Ulrich’s study?
- > length of visit
- > no. and strength of pair killers each day
- > no. and strength of doses for anxiety per day
- > complications requiring medication
- > nurses notes divided into positive and negative
What design and research method was used in Ulrich’s study?
matched pairs
natural experiment
What was the main comparison being investigated in Ulrich’s study?
tree view vs brick wall view
What were the 4 main results found in Ulrich’s study?
- > tree view spent significantly less time in hospital (7.96:8.7 days)
- > tree view took less strong pain meds and more doses of weak meds
- > more negative notes for wall view patients
- > no significant difference between the other hypotheses
What conclusions were found in Ulrich’s study?
views of a natural scene are more therapeutic and have more benefits (release of serotonin helping with sleep)
hospitals should take into account the quality of patients window views
What 6 elements of environmental design can be used to help improve health/wellbeing?
colour lighting green spaces windows/pleasant views open spaces defensible space
