Environmental Psychology Research Articles

Architecture for mental health

The present study aims at establishing if anything has been learnt from 140 years of modern architecture when it comes to designing for inpatient mental health and to identifying how...

Research on educational assessment and teaching optimization strategies based on environmental and social psychology

This study presents a novel integrated framework that uniquely combines environmental and social psychology perspectives to optimize educational assessment and teaching methodology in Chinese high schools. Unlike previous studies that examined these factors in isolation, our approach innovatively investigates their synergistic effects through a comprehensive mixed-methods design spanning 12 high schools across diverse regions of China. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 2,400 students and 240 teachers across 12 high schools in Eastern, Central, and Western China. The research employed comprehensive measurement tools including the Classroom Environment Scale (CES) and Student Interaction Matrix (SIM) to assess environmental and social psychological factors. Results indicate significant correlations between environmental adaptation and academic performance (r = 0.68, p = 0.0003), with grade level moderating this relationship. Hierarchical regression analyses reveal that environmental and social psychological factors collectively explain 52.3% of the variance in academic performance. The study identifies a crucial mediating role of psychological well-being in the relationship between environmental factors and academic outcomes. Grade 12 students demonstrated higher environmental adaptation capabilities (M = 4.28, SD = 0.67, p = 0.0008) compared to lower grades, suggesting a developmental trajectory in environmental adaptation. These findings provide important implications for educational policy and practice, particularly in optimizing learning environments and teaching methodologies. The research contributes to the theoretical understanding of how environmental and social psychological factors interact to influence educational outcomes in the Chinese context

Pathways to Social and Business Sustainability: Place Attachment, Trust in Government, and Quality of Life

This research investigates the role residents’ place attachment plays in developing their trust in the government in the city of Budapest. Rooted in different domains such as politics, environmental, and social psychology and aligned with the related SDGs (goals 3, 11 16, 17), an integrative model of residents’ place attachment, trust in the local government, QoL, social impacts, and pro-social engagement is proposed, which the authors argue are important mechanisms to be explored in determining support for sustainable tourism development to promote responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). We applied SEM on a sample of 350 residents. Findings suggest that place attachment significantly influences residents’ trust in the local government, which also has a positive influence on quality of life. Quality of life has a significant influence on perceived social impacts, which strongly leads to pro-social engagement; pro-social engagement underpins support for tourism development. This paper sets a future research agenda for sustainable tourism by indicating its possible antecedents. Sustainable tourism development has important implications for the achievement of other sustainability goals. The study aligns well with the United Nations Tourism’s vision of tourism as an important driver of positive change for responsible consumption and advancing other SDGs.

Phygital Heuristics in Tourists’ Decision-Making in Motion

Decision-making in motion has become increasingly prominent during travel. However, little is known about the cognitive mechanisms underlying tourists’ trip choices; both physical and digital cues and shortcuts (i.e., phygital heuristics) behind these processes are especially nebulous. Grounded in environmental psychology, we investigate the interactions among destination environments, decision tasks, and tourists’ cognitive processes when making decisions in motion. Results are based on real-world scenarios. Our findings shed light on the role of “ecological fit” in prompting adaptive and context-specific heuristics. We contribute to existing research by explicating how the sociophysical-biopsychological environment triggers and influences decision-making in motion, shedding light on the role of phygital heuristics in tourists’ actual behavior. Managerial implications are provided regarding marketing strategies and recommendation systems.

Why do (or don’t) people protect nature? insights from conservation practice and environmental psychology to respond to the biodiversity crisis

Understanding and shaping human action towards nature conservation is critical to reversing the biodiversity crisis. Psychological science provides tools for understanding individual and collective behaviours, but also for understanding how the behaviour of individuals can drive human–environment systems transitions. As researchers and practitioners spanning distinct disciplines, we draw on our collective knowledge in environmental psychology, systems thinking, economics, and conservation biology, along with experience in practice and government, to consider reasons why people do (or don’t) protect nature. We outline dimensions important to fostering individual conservation behaviour and systems transformation. Such individual dimensions include values, personality traits, and psychological distancing. Broader system influences include cultural, economic, and environmental factors that shape the way people interact with, and care for, nature. Finally, we describe potential tools that may support increasing conservation actions and systems transformation, including strengthening connection with and access to nature, values-based and solutions-focused framing, collective action, and propagating optimism.

Getting Under The(ir) Skin: Applying Personas and Scenarios with Body-Environment Research for Improved Understanding of Users’ Perspective in Architectural Design

The aim of this paper is to move established positions in architectural design by discussing a more refined user perspective. The motivation is threefold. Firstly, fields like environmental psychology and cognitive science for architecture have in recent years brought novel insights on the embodied nature of human spatial experience, and the extensive effects of the built environment on people’s psychosomatic health and behaviour that are not well-captured by existing building standardization systems. Secondly, while the fast growing trends of user-centred and research-based design in architecture have showed that users’ experience is a valuable source of design knowledge, the methods for incorporating this wealth of new insights in the architectural design process are still underdeveloped. Finally, the example of the newly built psychiatric department in Aabenraa, Denmark, whose interior, despite an international architectural award in 2016, had to be re-designed one year after construction due to poor understanding of the users, indicates existing discrepancies in the current approaches to translating research information in user-centred design. To address these issues, we discuss the experiences from a new masters’ course in ‘Architecture, Health, and Well-being’ and propose that user-centred methods like ‘personas’ and ‘scenarios’ used in IT, marketing, and product development also have a potential to develop more in-depth research-informed user perspectives. As well as, to help students envision and strengthen the architectural quality of the programming and building design throughout the architectural design process, by supporting a ‘design empathic’ understanding and immersion in user perspectives.

The Changing Face of Retail: A Comparative Study of Malls and Bazaars in Indore

In the vibrant cityscape of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, a comprehensive exploration unfolds, delving into the shifting contours of retail dynamics through a comparative lens. This research paper, titled "The Changing Face of Retail: A Comparative Study of Malls and Bazaars in Indore," embarks on a journey to dissect the multifaceted layers of economic, social, and psychological dimensions shaping consumer behavior, worker experiences, and societal interactions within the retail landscape. Methodologically grounded in open-ended unstructured interviews with 80 individuals representing customers, shopkeepers, and mall staff across all age groups, this study sets the stage for a nuanced examination of the retail ecosystem in Indore. Through Table 1, we present a detailed overview of the participants, providing insights into the diverse perspectives that inform our analysis. At the outset, the paper articulates its primary objective: to analyze and contrast the economic, social, and psychological aspects of malls and bazaars in Indore. This comparative endeavor seeks to elucidate the implications of retail formats on various stakeholders, from consumers to policymakers. Beyond this overarching goal, the research endeavors to assess affordability, consumption patterns, worker conditions, feminist and religious influences, migration patterns, and consumer preferences, among other dimensions, to offer a comprehensive understanding of the retail landscape. The introduction paints a vivid portrait of Indore as a city poised at the crossroads of tradition and modernity, where the coexistence of sprawling modern complexes and bustling traditional bazaars reflects the dynamic nature of urban life. Through a meticulous selection process, the study focuses its comparative analysis on Phoenix Citadel Mall and Rajwada Bazaar, justified by their popularity, cultural significance, and unique characteristics. A detailed exposition follows, demarcating the field of study and delineating the parameters of analysis for both entities. The Phoenix Citadel Mall, spanning over 1,000,000 square feet, offers a plethora of facilities aimed at enhancing the shopping experience, while Rajwada Bazaar, steeped in history and tradition, presents a vibrant tapestry of cultural richness. Our study, "The Changing Face of Retail: A Comparative Study of Malls and Bazaars in Indore," offers a detailed comparison between Phoenix Citadel Mall and Rajwada Bazaar, analyzing three pivotal dimensions: Economic, Social, and Psychological. Beginning with the Economic dimension, we explore affordability, highlighting Rajwada Bazaar's provision of goods at accessible prices, contrasting with Phoenix Mall's focus on branded offerings for a more affluent clientele. Additionally, we delve into worker compensation, showcasing the disparity between fixed wages in malls and variable earnings in bazaars. Furthermore, our analysis of consulting reports reveals the enduring community-centric mindset in Indore, emphasizing loyalty to Rajwada despite evolving consumer trends. Transitioning to the Social dimension, we uncover significant differences in women's experiences, with patriarchal constraints more explicit in Rajwada Bazaar. Conversely, religious observations reveal a common thread, with strong religious sentiments prevalent across both settings. Moreover, our examination of formal versus familial relationships, total quality management practices, worker alienation, migration patterns, ageism, and safety perceptions provides insights into the social fabric of malls and bazaars, highlighting contrasting perceptions and dynamics. In our exploration of Psychological factors, we uncover the dichotomy between brand endorsement and local products, reflecting varying consumer preferences. Additionally, attitudes towards education and career pursuits differ, with mall workers viewing their jobs as temporary while bazaar workers perceive them as a final destination. Furthermore, our analysis of leisure versus shopping preferences and environmental psychology underscores the distinct attractions and attachment factors influencing individuals' choices of retail destination.

Dual impact of information technology and dining environment: the potential mechanisms of takeout services on college student health.

With the development of information technology and the popularization of the O2O business model, food delivery services have become a primary dietary choice for university students. This study, based on the social-ecological model, environmental psychology, and behavioral decision theory, aims to explore the mechanisms by which food delivery culture and campus dining environments influence obesity risk among university students, providing a basis for campus dietary management and public health policies. The study involved eight universities in Changsha, collecting 518 questionnaires on dietary behaviors, self-reported BMI, and weight change data. It also integrated data from Gaode Maps and food delivery platforms to assess the characteristics of dining environments. Multiple regression and logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationships between dining environments, food delivery frequency, and health outcomes. The results showed that food delivery frequency was significantly associated with economic status (regression coefficient = 0.418, p < 0.001), with students with higher living expenses being more likely to opt for food delivery. There was a significant negative correlation between healthy food delivery option scores and BMI (standardized coefficient = -0.110, p < 0.05), indicating that students who chose healthier food delivery options had lower BMI. Longer food delivery times (regression coefficient = -0.257, p = 0.052) and poorer cafeteria accessibility (regression coefficient = 0.433, p < 0.001) significantly increased food delivery frequency. Additionally, students in suburban universities had higher BMI (23.45 kg/m2) than those in urban universities (22.23 kg/m2), primarily due to lower availability of healthy dining options in suburban areas. The study indicates that food delivery culture, through its convenience and diversity, reinforces a tendency to consume high-calorie foods, increasing the risk of obesity. It is recommended to optimize on-campus healthy dining facilities and introduce health-focused recommendation systems on food delivery platforms to promote healthier behaviors among university students.

The impact of historic built environment on residents’ emotional experiences: Duhok as a case study

This study explores the impact of Historic urban environments in shaping the emotional experience of Duhok City residents, focusing on interdisciplinary insights from urban design, planning, and environmental psychology as urban development has shown a significant impact on residents’ mental state, with recent research linking city living to an increased rate of mood and anxiety disorders. This study builds on previous findings and research gaps in a localized context. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs considers psychological well-being as a crucial aspect of the human journey to self-connection and transcendence, based on that the research explored how historic settings influence residents’ sense of belonging, identity, and self-connection. Preliminary results suggest that Historic Environments contribute to reduced negative emotions, and enhanced satisfaction levels, by fostering a strong emotional attachment, sense of place, and community identity. This research underlines the importance of preserving and integrating historical elements in urban design and planning to promote mental well-being and enrich residents’ emotional experiences.

IOT-Based Environmental Monitoring and Its Implications For Student Mental Health

Objective: This study investigates the impact of classroom environmental conditions on student mental health through an integrated Internet of Things (IoT) system. The primary objective is to assess how temperature, humidity, and noise levels influence student well-being and engagement. Theoretical Framework: The study is grounded in environmental psychology and cognitive load theory, emphasizing how physical learning environments affect cognitive function and emotional well-being. Method: Data were collected from classrooms in four schools using IoT-based sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, and noise. The mental health of 267 students was assessed using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist. Statistical analyses examined correlations between environmental conditions and psychological well-being. Results and Discussion: Findings indicate that 42.79% of students exhibited anxiety symptoms and 42.36% showed depression signs, yet only 28.46% sought counselling. Classroom conditions were suboptimal, with an average temperature of 29.8°C and humidity of 80.5%. Noise disturbances affected 61.05% of students, and 50.55% reported temperature discomfort. Statistical analyses revealed a negative correlation between temperature and student activity levels and a positive correlation between humidity and focus. Research Implications: This study highlights the need for real-time environmental monitoring in schools to enable timely interventions and improve student well-being. Originality/Value: This research uniquely integrates IoT-based environmental monitoring with direct mental health identification through real-time data analysis. The proposed IoT framework consists of sensor networks that capture environmental parameters and correlate them with student responses using machine learning models. This novel approach enables proactive interventions, providing a structured strategy for improving mental health in educational settings.

Evaluation Study on the Smart and Interactive Landscape Design of Haiyuntai Waterfront Park from the Perspective of a Sustainable City

With the rapid development of technological progress and smart city construction, the concept of sustainable cities is gradually being integrated into all aspects of urban construction. In this context, the public’s demand for high-quality and rich leisure experiences is increasing, and the design, management, and service standards of urban parks are also being upgraded. As an innovative product of the integration of ecological civilisation and information technology, smart interactive parks have become an important direction for promoting sustainable urban development, especially in the landscape design of waterside parks, which show unique significance. This study explores the application of the smart interactive concept in the landscape design of waterside parks from the perspective of sustainable cities, aiming to construct a set of evaluation frameworks to assess its effectiveness and value in urban development. Through in-depth analyses of the smart interaction concept and its application in landscape design, this study combines environmental psychology, landscape ecology, and GIS technology to propose innovative goals, strategies, and design methods for waterside smart interactive landscapes that can support the ecological and social needs of sustainable cities. Domestic and international case studies show that the successful application of smart interactive technologies in waterside parks not only improves environmental quality but also promotes economic development by enhancing the attractiveness of the parks, providing multiple values for sustainable cities. In the empirical research section, this paper takes Haeundae Waterside Park in South Korea as the object of investigation and constructs a design framework based on project selection and indicator quantification to further validate the effectiveness of the practical application of the smart interactive concept in waterside park landscape design. Based on the findings, this paper proposes a series of policy recommendations to promote the construction of smart interactive parks and sustainable urban development. These recommendations not only provide theoretical support for the future development of Haeundae Waterside Park but also provide a reference for the design and planning of public spaces in other cities around the world. By promoting the integration of smart interactive concepts with ecological sustainability, this study provides an innovative reference path for urban planners, landscape architects. and environmentalists to help realise the goal of a sustainable city with coordinated ecological, social, and economic development.

Integrating Fengshui and environmental psychology into contemporary architecture design for enhanced occupant well-being

&lt;p&gt;This review provides a comprehensive analysis and develops an integrated framework for incorporating Fengshui principles into modern architectural design, focusing on their multidimensional impact on occupant well-being. In ancient China, Fengshui is a sophisticated practice integrating spatial layout and environmental optimization, drawing from natural sciences such as geography, geology, meteorology, and environmental studies. Its core objective is to harmonize the natural and built environments, creating optimal living conditions that support a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. By regulating the flow of spatial energy, Fengshui fosters livable and balanced spaces, enhancing thermal comfort, aesthetic appeal, cultural and spiritual significance, and environmental sustainability. These benefits underscore Fengshui’s contemporary relevance in modern architectural practices, showcasing its unique potential to create spaces that promote holistic well-being. This study systematically identifies four key advantages of Fengshui and explores its reintegration into modern design, emphasizing its historical wisdom in respecting and harmonizing with nature. Despite facing obstacles related to scientific validation and cultural adaptability, Fengshui is proposed as a significant theoretical framework and practical resource for architects and urban planners. It can be utilized to design environments that promote human well-being, enrich cultural significance, and support sustainability.&lt;/p&gt;

AMBIENTE RESTAURADOR EM JUIZ DE FORA, MINAS GERAIS (MG): DA ANÁLISE TEXTUAL À CONSTRUÇÃO DE UMA AGENDA PROPOSITIVA SOBRE O JARDIM BOTÂNICO DA UFJF

This research had as its object of study the Botanical Garden of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF). From the concepts of environmental psychology implying the Attention Restoration Theory (ART), the study aimed to analyze the perception of visitors who made public comments available on the digital platform Google Reviews, being filtered based on Bardin's (2011) content analysis (CA) technique. Thus, the exploratory and descriptive research used the support of the Voyant Tools (2025) online tool for data processing aiming at a textual analysis from the Cirrus word cloud and the analysis called Link. The results based on a textual corpus formed by (n=813) comments revealed that the UFJF Botanical Garden is widely perceived as a space that promotes contact with nature, complying with criteria associated with the theory in question about restorative environments. Finally, a purposeful agenda, which offers subsidies both for planners and managers, as well as for researchers and other interested parties, was created with four main focuses: (1) Recovering attention; (2) Relieve stress; (3) Contribute to the quality of life; (4) Combat seasonality from the uses of the UFJF Botanical Garden. Future studies can expand the methodological design to include primary data measured by questionnaires and interviews, which can contribute to analyzing an important aspect of ART: the role of individual stories for the symbolic interaction that restorative environments can elicit.

Environmental Psychology and Mangrove Reforestation in the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, Colombia: An Approach to Ecosystem Restoration

Ecosystem restoration success heavily depends on community participation, yet the psychological factors influencing local commitment and sense of ownership in mangrove conservation remain understudied. The Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta (CGSM), Colombia, represents a critical case where community engagement is essential for successful mangrove restoration. This study investigates the relationship between environmental psychology and community participation in mangrove reforestation, focusing on identifying key psychosocial factors and barriers that influence participation in ecosystem restoration. Through a mixed-method approach involving quantitative surveys (n = 100), semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions, the research examined psychosocial factors and participation indicators using correlation and regression analyses. Results revealed a strong emotional connection to the mangrove ecosystem (r = 0.62, p &lt; 0.01) and predominantly positive attitudes toward conservation (85% of participants). Social norms showed a significant influence on participation (r = 0.56, p &lt; 0.01), with social norms and community sense explaining 64% of participation variance (adjusted r2 = 0.64, F(3,96) = 58.92, p &lt; 0.001). However, low perceived self-efficacy emerged as a significant barrier, present in 40% of participants. The findings suggest that interventions strengthening self-efficacy and promoting community commitment could significantly increase reforestation participation. Success depends on integrating technical training with psychosocial support and establishing appropriate logistical frameworks. These findings provide practical guidelines for designing more effective community-based restoration programs in similar socio-ecological contexts.

Postural correlates of pleasant landscapes visual perception

IntroductionThe interplay between motor skills and emotions in the brain represents a significant and longstanding research question. Recently, posturography has provided new insights into this subject. Understanding the biological processes that influence the appreciation of nature and landscapes is also a crucial concern, prompting various experimental methods and theoretical frameworks. This research aimed to propose, for the first time, the use of posturography to study the different ways postural control is modulated by visual perception of pleasant scenes.MethodsA total of 37 participants (27 females, 10 males; mean age = 24 years ±5 years) were shown images of pleasant and neutral landscapes, while posturographic data were collected. Two viewing conditions were employed: passive vision and active vision, where participants were instructed to envision themselves in the presented scenes.ResultsThe results indicated a differential modulation of the postural response based on valence factors (pleasant vs. neutral) and mental simulation (passive vs. active). Notably, significant differences in approach-avoidance behavior were observed approximately 7 s after the onset of stimulus viewing.DiscussionThe findings are discussed in relation to major theories in environmental psychology, highlighting the central role of emotional and embodiment processes in appreciating pleasant environmental scenes and related motor behaviors.

Understanding Undervaluation: A Law and Psychology Analysis of the WTO Environmental Goods Agreement

Recent research in environmental law and psychology has revealed a pernicious problem: psychological phenomena often lead people to underperceive and undervalue environmental harms. These insights have yet to be applied to the transnational realm. This article employs a psychological approach to explore the evaluation of environmental concerns in the context of the World Trade Organization’s Environmental Goods Agreement (“EGA”). Although the EGA purports to be a “win-win” agreement that simultaneously promotes economic development and environmental protection, it has failed to reach meaningful agreement. The present research argues that a psychological perspective on environmental law may supplementally explain the failure in EGA negotiation by demonstrating how states inadvertently undervalue the transboundary environmental impacts of environmental goods. This insight also fills the void left by rational choice theory in regard to the valuation process.

Look how beautiful! The role of natural environments for employees' recovery and affective well-being.

Recovery from work is important for promoting employees' well-being but little is known about which environments are most conducive for recovery. This article examines the relationship between recovery and experiencing nature and, thus, provides a link between recovery research and environmental psychology. In two studies, we drew on the effort-recovery model and proposed that contact with nature is associated with employees' recovery experiences and affective well-being. In Study 1, we theorized that appraising nature as esthetic is an underlying mechanism in the relationship between being in nature and recovery. Using an experience sampling approach with multisource data from self-reports and smartphone photos (N = 50, measurements = 411), we found that being in nature was indirectly related to recovery experiences (i.e., relaxation, detachment) and affective well-being (i.e., positive activation, serenity, low fatigue) via perceived attractiveness. In Study 2, we theorized that appreciative contact with nature (i.e., nature savoring) is linked to enhanced recovery and well-being. Using a randomized controlled trial (N = 66), we found that a nature-savoring intervention, compared to a waiting-list control group, had beneficial effects on recovery experiences and positive affective states. Overall, our results suggest that contact with nature is a prototypical setting for employees' recovery, and we discuss theoretical and practical implications of this finding for occupational health psychology. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

An item response theory approach to measurement in environmental psychology: A practical example with environmental risk perception

An item response theory approach to measurement in environmental psychology: A practical example with environmental risk perception

Situation Networks: The emotions and activities that are central to nature-connectedness experiences

Many of the psychological phenomena that are relevant to the environmental crises facing the globe are determined by a complex set of interrelated constructs—that is, they are determined by a network of factors. In recognizing that these factors form a network and do not work in isolation, the need for research that captures the holistic interrelations between variables becomes obvious. As a way of exploring the value of such an approach for other areas of environmental psychology, we tested the utility of treating nature-connectedness experiences as a network using principles adapted from social network analysis. In Study 1, we look at the affective situation network concerning nature-connectedness experiences. In Study 2, we draw upon the pathways to nature framework to investigate the activity situation network for nature connectedness experiences. In Study 1, we find that awe, inspiration, and love are all important and central to nature-connectedness experiences. In Study 2, we find that meaningful (e.g., meaning-making) and deliberate engagement (e.g., noticing) are important and central to nature-connectedness experiences. More importantly, the results from this pair of studies indicate that using this network approach is a useful exploratory tool that is both generative and flexible and can yield important insights that can catalyse novel lines of confirmatory research. Thus, we suggest that research in other areas of environmental psychology consider this approach.

La arquitectura emocional y su influencia en la habitabilidad. La Casa Jardín Ortega de Luis Barragán

The purpose of this article is to learn a little more about the first work of the architect Luis Barragán in Mexico City, which embodies the concepts that would later be defined, in collaboration with the German artist Mathias Goeritz, by the term emotional architecture and its influence on habitability. The study was limited to the fields of architecture and environmental psychology. Due to the characteristics of the research, it was decided to use a qualitative methodology. As an instrument, a semi-structured interview was conducted with the inhabitants, taking into account architectural and psychological aspects, since the purpose was to trigger a conversation. Ortega's garden house can be considered a laboratory in which the architect experimented with paths, colors, textures, materials, scales, furniture, indirect light, etc., with all the ideas and elements that would later characterize his style. According to the inhabitants, there are two different positions about the habitability, on the one hand, an architect who admires the work and all the elements and spaces that make it up, and on the other hand, two ladies who say that the house is not functional because certain rooms are not connected, there are many uneven areas, the ground floor is damp, cold and dark. In conclusion, they would prefer to live in an apartment. With these testimonies, it can be debated whether an architect's private house will continue to be useful, habitable or adaptable for other people with characteristics and needs completely different from those of its author.