Natural Environments Flashcards
The Natural Environment
Consists of objects not created by humans. We have evolved to instinctively tune in to natural scenes.
Biophilia Hypothesis
Humans have a genetic predisposition towards natural environments. Our historical need to rely on the environment means this preference is ingrained in our genes.
Evidence for Biophilia
Natural features elicit parasympathetic responses which lower heart rate and increase perceptual processing. Favourite places tend to be natural settings. This is a cross cultural finding. Biophobias.
Biophobia
Most of the common and deepest phobias stem from natural threats (spiders, snakes etc) despite these being a lower risk to us than built threats (guns, cars etc). These phobias are the hardest to eliminate. We also perceive these threats faster than non-threatening stimuli.
Nature and Physical Health
People exposed to natural environments recover from surgery faster, need less pain medication and recover from stress faster than those not exposed. Children in natural nursery school have less sick days than those in urban settings.
Attention Restoration Theory
When we perform complex tasks, they tend to drain our attentional resources which leads to fatigue. How well we can deal with complex tasks is influenced by how well we recover from this fatigue. The natural environment is effortlessly engaging so it allows our attention to rest.
Nature and Psychopathology
Natural settings can be used to complement traditional methods. Anecdotal and empirical evidence has shown that natural settings have helped with depression, stress, addiction, grief, eating disorders, dementia and identity issues.
Nature and Communities
When community is strong, neighbours support each other. When ties are weak, people feel isolated from their community. The amount of greenery in a neighbourhood influences the amount of socialising between neighbours. Neighbours use green common areas more because they are more enjoyable.
Nature and Violence
Mental fatigue can lead to aggression because people are unable to handle problems rationally. This increases irritability and decreases impulse control. Overall, there tends to be less physical and psychological violence in greener communities.
Nature and Attention
Residents in greener communities have better attention (supports ART). Concentration and delayed gratification increase as greenness increases. Impulsivity declines in greener settings.
Community Gardens
Involvement in community garden schemes strengthens social cohesion. They reduce violence and elicit positive appraisal of self and others. However, it can be hard to tease out the specific factors that influence these benefits.
Urban Contexts
Often have natural features, however urban settings remove the positive effects of any green areas. Exposure to urban context can increase physical and psychological ill health via increased stress. Urban contexts are inconsistent with evolutionary dispositions and changes our social interactions. Need to remember that some people do thrive in urban contexts.
