Environmental Psychology:

Theories & Approaches

Dr. Anindita Majumdar

Assistant Professor,
AIPAS, AUK
 Theories in Environmental
Psychology
 Deterministic & Behaviourist- This theory argues that the
environment has direct impact on people’s perception, attitude &
behavior.
 Interactionism- Environment impacts upon individuals &
groups, who in turn respond by impacting upon the environment.
 Transactionalism- Neither environment nor individual gets
priority, at the same time none can be defined without the other.
Theory governed by 2 concepts (Bonnes & Secchiaroli, 1995):
Continuous exchange & reciprocity & Active intentional role.
 Deterministic & Behaviourist
theory’s Approaches
 Arousal Approach:
1. Concept derived from Yerkes-Dodson Law.
2. Environment provides physiological stimulation that generates
behavioural effects.
3. Individual seek stimulation when arousal is too low.
4. High level of stimulation results in both positive or negative effect,
depending upon individual.
5. Anomic behaviour is observed in urban cultures due to high
stimulation (Cohen & Spacapan, 1984).
6. Arctic behaviour is more pertinent in un-urban cultures due to low
level of stimulation effect (Suedfeld & Steel, 2000).
 Deterministic & Behaviourist
theory’s Approaches
 Adaptation Level Approach
1. Logical extension of Arousal & Stimulus Overload approaches (Wohlwill,
1974).
2. Overload approach suggest when people have limited capacity to process
incoming stimulation, an overload or overwhelm occurs.
3. Adaptation level assumes existence of an individually optimal intermediate
stimulation level.
4. 3 stimulation levels: Sensory, Social & Movement.
5. 3 stimulation dimension: Intensity, Diversity & Patterning.
6. Individuals’ ability to function intermediately in all these levels & dimensions
depends on the adaptation capacity, that in turn finds balancing relation
between individual & environment.
 THANK
YOU

amajumdar@kol.amity.edu