response

Nathali

Discussion 8

Environmental psychology uses psychological science and theories to analyze the influence of an individual’s surroundings on their psychological processes (Lavooy, 2023). Environmental psychology studies the relationship between an individual’s psyche and their social and/or physical environments (Lavooy, 2023). The relationship between our mental/physical well-being and our planet is especially important, taking into special consideration the many changes occurring, such as global warming, pollution, deforestation, etc., and how environmental psychologists can promote sustainability using psychological methods. Conducting my own independent research, I found an article detailing suggestions to improve the effectiveness of interventions that promote sustainability through the modification of behavior as well as existing interventions (Clayton et al., 2013). The article also mentions how some of the environmental depletion we see is due to the behaviors of humans (Clayton et al., 2013). It also discusses how the negative effects of environmental degradation have the potential to have detrimental effects on a person’s physical and mental health, which highlights the importance of promoting behaviors that will protect environmental resources (Clayton et al., 2013). The article discusses principles that should be used when formulating interventions, some of which include focusing on behaviors that will have the most positive impact, prioritizing sustainability behaviors in organizations rather than individually, focusing on promoting efficiency behaviors (less frequent behaviors such as buying an electric car or switching to solar energy) more than curtailment behaviors (frequent and repetitive behaviors such as unplugging electronics after every use), including intrinsic motivation in interventions over external reinforcement, analyze any external factors that may impede the delivery of reinforcers or punishment, and educating influential individuals on behavioral science concepts (Clayton et al., 2013). The article also highlights the importance of collaborating with architects and engineers when developing effective modifications and also working alongside policymakers when developing interventions to make long-term changes (Clayton et al., 2013). The article also included an example of an existing intervention known as the 'Seal the Loop' program in Melbourne, Australia; the intervention included encouraging Melbourne zoo visitors through signage and informational posters to recycle plastic waste on-site and proceeding to use that plastic to produce bins for local fishers to dispose of their fishing lines/trash responsibly (Clayton et al., 2013). Even though this specific intervention does not incorporate all of the principles previously mentioned, it still proved effective, with over 1.5 kilometers of fishing line and 77 swivels being collected across 20 bins over the course of five months (Clayton et al., 2013). In sum, behavioral psychology can prove extremely beneficial when developing effective interventions that increase sustainability, and identifying ways to improve the efficacy of the interventions and implementing them can prove beneficial to people's mental and physical health.

References

Clayton, S., Litchfield, C., & Geller, E. S. (2013). Psychological science, conservation, and environmental sustainability. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 11(7), 377-382. https://doi.org/10.1890/120351

Links to an external site.

Lavooy, M. (2023). Environmental Psychology [Video]. https://mediacdn.bisk.com/AssetService/preview/?mawID=01a37d0d-c41c-47b8-8c74-25b0a08818fc&d=0

Links to an external site.