Chapter 17 Psychological Foundations of Nature Experience

This chapter discusses psychological foundations of nature experience. The fundamental organizing principle of this chapter is that the natural-built distinction has a central role in theorizing about nature experience. It addresses issues met in setting out nature experience as a subject for study. The chapter also elaborates on the evolution of the distinction, leading to its establishment as a fundamental categorical device in the language of laypeople and researchers alike. The theories described in the chapter shares some assumptions about the psychological processes responsible for the realization of benefits. Some also have similar views on the implications of the natural-built distinction. Other psychological factors related to well-being have received little treatment in the preceding analyses, yet are thought to be sensitive to differences between natural and built environments. The chapter highlights stress research for signs of other factors that work to create conditions in contrast to which nature experience proves beneficial. Consideration of research in other disciplines, such as geography, can serve the same purpose. The chapter concludes by looking at the significance of the natural built distinction for psychological theories about human-environment relations.