Environmental psychology: harmony between humans and their environment

The 1970s[1] marked the emergence of new concerns within society. People became aware of the importance of the human dimension in the development of the environment in the broad sense. Environmental psychology was born! [1]

What is environmental psychology?

Gabriel Moser, Emeritus Professor at the Institute of Psychology of the University of Paris Descartes, defines environmental psychology as “the study of the interrelations between the individual and his/her physical and social environment, in its spatial and temporal dimensions”[2].

Environmental psychology therefore aims to optimise social and environmental conditions, which are essential for the well-being of individuals.

A two-way relationship

The individual-environment relationship is dynamic and reciprocal. Indeed, if one has an impact on one’s personal environment, then one’s own perceptions and behaviour will also be influenced by the environment itself. The notion of interaction therefore takes on its full meaning.

In the context of sustainable development, the main objective of environmental psychology is to improve this socio-environmental relationship, by considering three factors:

The degree of control over the environment by an individual, who is active and transforms his spaces.
The feeling of belonging, i.e. the identification of the person with the space in which (s)he evolves.
Environmental appropriation, designated by the practices and relationships that the individual maintains with his/her environment.

Each environment requires its own design

Depending on the type of space, the relationship between the individual and the environment will take different forms. And the arrangements recommended by environmental psychology will be adapted accordingly.

There are four types of environment, from the most restricted to the most general:

The private, restricted or personal space: this refers to the home and the workplace.
The shared areas in close proximity and semi-public spaces: this refers to where you live, the workplace, institutional spaces, local shops, etc.
The collective environment: urban and rural public spaces.
The global environment: on a planetary scale.

If a relationship is direct in a private space, this is much less likely in a global environment. Thus, the aim of environmental psychology on a global scale is to encourage environmentally beneficial behaviour by promoting understanding of global issues. Conversely, in the private sphere, actions are more targeted and aim rather at the appropriation of spaces by individuals.

Workspace design, constitutes a challenge for the well-being of employees

“Adaptation to work is not simply a matter of assimilating a function, but also involves spatial integration into a concrete environment.

Fischer (1989)[3]

An individual’s quality of life at work is strongly influenced by his or her relationship with the work environment. This refers to both the relationships with others (colleagues, superiors, customers, etc.) and the physical working environment.

Each individual has his or her own work space, which (s)he creates and appropriates (by decorating the workstation, for example), but environmental psychology considers this socio-environmental relationship on a larger scale. Indeed, in order to encourage identification with the workplace, you need to address the question of designing its layout to make it controllable and appropriable by employees.

Since improved appropriation of the work environment has positive impacts on employee oncentration, creativity and productivity[4], it is in an organisation’s best interest to design its premises in such a way as to favour the individual-environment relationship!

Expert in Human Capital Management @ MindForest

Aliénor Bianchi

Let us help you

Would you like to be supported in your change project?

[1] An Introduction to Environmental Psychology, W. Ittelson, H. Proshansky, L. Rivlin, G. Winkel (1974)
[2] Espaces de vie : Aspects de la relation homme-environnement, G. Moser, K.Weiss (2003)
[3] Psychologie des espaces de travail, G. Fischer (1989)
[4] Quality of the working environment and productivity, European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (2004)