The origins of this field of study are unknown, however, Willy Hellpach is said to be the first to mention "environmental psychology." One of his books, Geopsyche, discusses topics such as how the sun and moon affect human activity, the impact of extreme environments, and the effects of color and shape (Pol, E., 2006, Blueprints for a history of environmental psychology (I): From the first birth to the American transition, "Environment and Human Behavior", 7 (2), 95-113). Among the other important scholars in the roots of environmental psychology were Jakob von Uexküll, Kurt Lewin, Egon Brunswik, and later Gerhard Kaminski and Carl Friedrich Graumann.

The psychologist Kurt Lewin (1890-1947) was one of the first to give importance to the relationship between human beings and the environment. Its objective was to determine the influence that the environment has on people, the relationships they establish with it, the way in which people act, react and organize themselves like the environment.

The end of World War II brought about increased demand for developments in the field of social psychology, particularly in the areas of attitude change, small group processes, and intergroup conflict. This demand caused psychologists to begin applying the theories of social psychology to a series of social problems such as prejudice, war, and peace. It was thought that if these issues were addressed, underlying notions and principles would emerge.

Although this period was crucial to the development of the field, the methodologies used to conduct the studies were questionable. [According to whom?] At the time, the studies were being conducted in a laboratory setting, which caused some doubt [according to whom? ] as to its validity in the real world. Consequently, environmental psychologists began conducting studies outside of the laboratory, allowing the field to continue progressing. [Citation needed] Today, environmental psychology is applied to many different areas, such as architecture and design, television programs and advertisements.[3]​.

Environmental psychology is a direct study of the relationship between an environment and how that environment affects its inhabitants. The specific aspects of this field work are identifying a problem and, through the identification of said problem, discovering a solution. Therefore, it is necessary for environmental psychology to be problem-oriented.

An important aspect of a problem-oriented field is that by identifying problems, solutions emerge from the research acquired. The solutions can help make society work better together and create a wealth of knowledge about the inner workings of societies. Environmental psychologist Harold Proshansky discusses how the field is also "value-oriented" due to the field's commitment to improving society through problem identification. Proshansky discusses the importance of not only understanding the problem but also the need for a solution. Proshansky also points out some of the problems of a problem-oriented approach to environmental psychology. First, the problems that are identified must be studied under certain specifications: they must be continuous and occur in real life, not in a laboratory. Secondly, notions about problems must be derived directly from the source, meaning that they must come directly from the specific environment where the problem is occurring.[4]​ Solutions and understanding of problems cannot come from an environment that has been constructed and modeled to look like real life. Environmental psychology should reflect real society, not a society built in a laboratory environment. The difficult task of the environmental psychologist is to study problems as they occur in everyday life. It is difficult to reject all laboratory research because laboratory experiments are where theories can be tested without harming the real environment or can serve as models when solutions are tested. Proshansky also makes this point, discussing the difficulty in the problem-oriented approach in general. He states that it is important, however, that the environmental psychologist uses all aspects of the research and analysis of the findings and takes into account both the general aspects and the individualized aspects of the problems.[4]​.

Environmental psychology addresses environmental problems such as density and overcrowding, noise pollution, substandard living, and urban decay. Noise increases environmental stress. Although control and predictability have been found to be the most important factors in the stressful effects of noise; Context, tone, source, and room are also important variables. Environmental psychologists have theorized that density and overcrowding may also have an adverse effect on mood and may cause stress-related illnesses. To understand and solve environmental problems, environmental psychologists believe that concepts and principles must come directly from the physical environments and problems being analyzed.

For example, factors that reduce the feeling of crowding inside buildings include:.

• - Windows: in particular, those that can be opened and those that provide a view and light.

• - High ceilings.

• - Doors to divide spaces (Baum and Davies) and provide access control.

• - Room shape: Square rooms feel less crowded than rectangular ones (Dresor).

• - Using partitions to create smaller, more personalized spaces within an open plan office or larger workspace.

• - Provide increases in cognitive control over aspects of the internal environment, such as ventilation, light, privacy, etc.

• - Carry out a cognitive evaluation of an environment and feelings of crowding in different environments. For example, one may feel comfortable with the crowd at a concert but not in the hallways at school.

• - Creating a defensible space (Calhoun).

Contenido

La conexión entre la naturaleza y la psicología humana ha sido objeto de estudio y reflexión durante siglos. La naturaleza, ha cautivado y fascinado a los seres humanos desde tiempos inmemoriales. Al mismo tiempo, la psicología humana, ha sido un tema de interés y exploración constante. En la intersección de estos dos campos surge una relación que impacta en nuestra salud mental, bienestar emocional y calidad de vida en general.[5]​.

La conexión entre la naturaleza y la psicología humana se basa en la idea de que somos parte de un ecosistema más amplio y que nuestra relación con el entorno natural es fundamental para nuestro desarrollo y equilibrio.[5]​ A lo largo de la evolución humana, hemos estado íntimamente ligados a la naturaleza, dependiendo de ella para nuestra supervivencia y encontrando en ella inspiración y consuelo.

La investigación científica respalda cada vez más la idea de que la exposición regular a entornos naturales tiene numerosos beneficios para nuestra salud mental y bienestar. Estar en contacto con la naturaleza reduce el estrés, mejora el estado de ánimo y aumenta los sentimientos de calma y tranquilidad. La simple presencia de elementos naturales, como árboles, plantas y cuerpos de agua, puede tener un efecto positivo en nuestra psicología, ayudándonos a recuperarnos del agotamiento mental y restaurando nuestra atención y enfoque.[6]​.

Los beneficios psicológicos individuales, la conexión con la naturaleza también tiene un impacto en nuestra interacción con los demás y en la construcción de comunidades saludables. Los espacios verdes y las áreas naturales promueven la cohesión social, fomentando el contacto interpersonal y la participación comunitaria. Los parques, jardines y espacios abiertos se convierten en lugares de encuentro, donde las personas pueden conectarse, compartir experiencias y fortalecer vínculos emocionales.[6]​.

Sin embargo, en la era moderna, estamos cada vez más alejados de la naturaleza. El estilo de vida acelerado, las demandas laborales y el constante uso de dispositivos electrónicos nos mantienen alejados de los entornos naturales. Este distanciamiento tiene consecuencias negativas para nuestra salud mental y bienestar. La industrialización de nuestras vidas ha llevado a un aumento en los trastornos relacionados con el estrés, la ansiedad y la depresión.[7]​.

Benefits of exposure to natural environments

From the field of psychology, studies have been carried out that demonstrate the connections between the presence of green spaces and mental health. Mental health refers to the state of well-being that allows people to develop their skills, cope with everyday stress, work productively and meaningfully, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Likewise, spending time outdoors, away from the distractions and constant stimulation of urban life, allows our minds to rest and recharge. This can encourage creativity and improve overall cognitive performance.[8]​.

Importance of promoting green and conservation areas

Urban residents tend to have lower levels of contact with nature, which may influence a higher prevalence of social and health problems compared to rural groups.

In this sense, the promotion of green areas and the conservation of natural spaces are of vital importance to improve the quality of life of people and the well-being of communities. Green areas provide an environment conducive to physical activity and outdoor exercise. It is scientifically proven that connecting with nature reduces stress, improves mood, increases concentration and reduces mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. In addition, green spaces offer opportunities for rest, recreation and social interaction, which contributes to people's general well-being.[9]​.

Likewise, the pressure of the city and its psychoenvironmental consequences bring with them psychological and emotional impacts that people can experience due to the urban environment in which they live. For example:.

1. • Stress and anxiety: Cities tend to be hectic environments with high levels of stress. Constant noise, heavy traffic, crowds and the fast pace of life can cause chronic stress in people. This chronic stress can lead to anxiety, irritability, exhaustion, and difficulty relaxing and resting properly.[10]​.

2. • Sensory overload: The urban environment is full of overwhelming sensory stimuli. Bright colors, advertisements, bright lights, strong smells, and the amount of visual and auditory information can overwhelm our senses. This constant sensory overload can contribute to mental exhaustion, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.[10]​.

• - Psychology in interior design.

• - Attachment to place.

• - Environmental psychology for work spaces.

• - Ambientis Natura Foundation - Environmental Psychology.

The origins of this field of study are unknown, however, Willy Hellpach is said to be the first to mention "environmental psychology." One of his books, Geopsyche, discusses topics such as how the sun and moon affect human activity, the impact of extreme environments, and the effects of color and shape (Pol, E., 2006, Blueprints for a history of environmental psychology (I): From the first birth to the American transition, "Environment and Human Behavior", 7 (2), 95-113). Among the other important scholars in the roots of environmental psychology were Jakob von Uexküll, Kurt Lewin, Egon Brunswik, and later Gerhard Kaminski and Carl Friedrich Graumann.

The psychologist Kurt Lewin (1890-1947) was one of the first to give importance to the relationship between human beings and the environment. Its objective was to determine the influence that the environment has on people, the relationships they establish with it, the way in which people act, react and organize themselves like the environment.

The end of World War II brought about increased demand for developments in the field of social psychology, particularly in the areas of attitude change, small group processes, and intergroup conflict. This demand caused psychologists to begin applying the theories of social psychology to a series of social problems such as prejudice, war, and peace. It was thought that if these issues were addressed, underlying notions and principles would emerge.

Although this period was crucial to the development of the field, the methodologies used to conduct the studies were questionable. [According to whom?] At the time, the studies were being conducted in a laboratory setting, which caused some doubt [according to whom? ] as to its validity in the real world. Consequently, environmental psychologists began conducting studies outside of the laboratory, allowing the field to continue progressing. [Citation needed] Today, environmental psychology is applied to many different areas, such as architecture and design, television programs and advertisements.[3]​.

Environmental psychology is a direct study of the relationship between an environment and how that environment affects its inhabitants. The specific aspects of this field work are identifying a problem and, through the identification of said problem, discovering a solution. Therefore, it is necessary for environmental psychology to be problem-oriented.

An important aspect of a problem-oriented field is that by identifying problems, solutions emerge from the research acquired. The solutions can help make society work better together and create a wealth of knowledge about the inner workings of societies. Environmental psychologist Harold Proshansky discusses how the field is also "value-oriented" due to the field's commitment to improving society through problem identification. Proshansky discusses the importance of not only understanding the problem but also the need for a solution. Proshansky also points out some of the problems of a problem-oriented approach to environmental psychology. First, the problems that are identified must be studied under certain specifications: they must be continuous and occur in real life, not in a laboratory. Secondly, notions about problems must be derived directly from the source, meaning that they must come directly from the specific environment where the problem is occurring.[4]​ Solutions and understanding of problems cannot come from an environment that has been constructed and modeled to look like real life. Environmental psychology should reflect real society, not a society built in a laboratory environment. The difficult task of the environmental psychologist is to study problems as they occur in everyday life. It is difficult to reject all laboratory research because laboratory experiments are where theories can be tested without harming the real environment or can serve as models when solutions are tested. Proshansky also makes this point, discussing the difficulty in the problem-oriented approach in general. He states that it is important, however, that the environmental psychologist uses all aspects of the research and analysis of the findings and takes into account both the general aspects and the individualized aspects of the problems.[4]​.

Environmental psychology addresses environmental problems such as density and overcrowding, noise pollution, substandard living, and urban decay. Noise increases environmental stress. Although control and predictability have been found to be the most important factors in the stressful effects of noise; Context, tone, source, and room are also important variables. Environmental psychologists have theorized that density and overcrowding may also have an adverse effect on mood and may cause stress-related illnesses. To understand and solve environmental problems, environmental psychologists believe that concepts and principles must come directly from the physical environments and problems being analyzed.

For example, factors that reduce the feeling of crowding inside buildings include:.

• - Windows: in particular, those that can be opened and those that provide a view and light.

• - High ceilings.

• - Doors to divide spaces (Baum and Davies) and provide access control.

• - Room shape: Square rooms feel less crowded than rectangular ones (Dresor).

• - Using partitions to create smaller, more personalized spaces within an open plan office or larger workspace.

• - Provide increases in cognitive control over aspects of the internal environment, such as ventilation, light, privacy, etc.

• - Carry out a cognitive evaluation of an environment and feelings of crowding in different environments. For example, one may feel comfortable with the crowd at a concert but not in the hallways at school.

• - Creating a defensible space (Calhoun).

Contenido

La conexión entre la naturaleza y la psicología humana ha sido objeto de estudio y reflexión durante siglos. La naturaleza, ha cautivado y fascinado a los seres humanos desde tiempos inmemoriales. Al mismo tiempo, la psicología humana, ha sido un tema de interés y exploración constante. En la intersección de estos dos campos surge una relación que impacta en nuestra salud mental, bienestar emocional y calidad de vida en general.[5]​.

La conexión entre la naturaleza y la psicología humana se basa en la idea de que somos parte de un ecosistema más amplio y que nuestra relación con el entorno natural es fundamental para nuestro desarrollo y equilibrio.[5]​ A lo largo de la evolución humana, hemos estado íntimamente ligados a la naturaleza, dependiendo de ella para nuestra supervivencia y encontrando en ella inspiración y consuelo.

La investigación científica respalda cada vez más la idea de que la exposición regular a entornos naturales tiene numerosos beneficios para nuestra salud mental y bienestar. Estar en contacto con la naturaleza reduce el estrés, mejora el estado de ánimo y aumenta los sentimientos de calma y tranquilidad. La simple presencia de elementos naturales, como árboles, plantas y cuerpos de agua, puede tener un efecto positivo en nuestra psicología, ayudándonos a recuperarnos del agotamiento mental y restaurando nuestra atención y enfoque.[6]​.

Los beneficios psicológicos individuales, la conexión con la naturaleza también tiene un impacto en nuestra interacción con los demás y en la construcción de comunidades saludables. Los espacios verdes y las áreas naturales promueven la cohesión social, fomentando el contacto interpersonal y la participación comunitaria. Los parques, jardines y espacios abiertos se convierten en lugares de encuentro, donde las personas pueden conectarse, compartir experiencias y fortalecer vínculos emocionales.[6]​.

Sin embargo, en la era moderna, estamos cada vez más alejados de la naturaleza. El estilo de vida acelerado, las demandas laborales y el constante uso de dispositivos electrónicos nos mantienen alejados de los entornos naturales. Este distanciamiento tiene consecuencias negativas para nuestra salud mental y bienestar. La industrialización de nuestras vidas ha llevado a un aumento en los trastornos relacionados con el estrés, la ansiedad y la depresión.[7]​.

Benefits of exposure to natural environments

From the field of psychology, studies have been carried out that demonstrate the connections between the presence of green spaces and mental health. Mental health refers to the state of well-being that allows people to develop their skills, cope with everyday stress, work productively and meaningfully, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Likewise, spending time outdoors, away from the distractions and constant stimulation of urban life, allows our minds to rest and recharge. This can encourage creativity and improve overall cognitive performance.[8]​.

Importance of promoting green and conservation areas

Urban residents tend to have lower levels of contact with nature, which may influence a higher prevalence of social and health problems compared to rural groups.

In this sense, the promotion of green areas and the conservation of natural spaces are of vital importance to improve the quality of life of people and the well-being of communities. Green areas provide an environment conducive to physical activity and outdoor exercise. It is scientifically proven that connecting with nature reduces stress, improves mood, increases concentration and reduces mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. In addition, green spaces offer opportunities for rest, recreation and social interaction, which contributes to people's general well-being.[9]​.

Likewise, the pressure of the city and its psychoenvironmental consequences bring with them psychological and emotional impacts that people can experience due to the urban environment in which they live. For example:.

1. • Stress and anxiety: Cities tend to be hectic environments with high levels of stress. Constant noise, heavy traffic, crowds and the fast pace of life can cause chronic stress in people. This chronic stress can lead to anxiety, irritability, exhaustion, and difficulty relaxing and resting properly.[10]​.

2. • Sensory overload: The urban environment is full of overwhelming sensory stimuli. Bright colors, advertisements, bright lights, strong smells, and the amount of visual and auditory information can overwhelm our senses. This constant sensory overload can contribute to mental exhaustion, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.[10]​.

• - Psychology in interior design.

• - Attachment to place.

• - Environmental psychology for work spaces.

• - Ambientis Natura Foundation - Environmental Psychology.