Environmental Effects on Human Behaviour | Psychology for UPSC Optional (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

The environment plays a significant role in shaping human behavior and emotions. This article delves into the various ways in which the environment influences our perception, emotions, occupation, living style, and attitudes. We will also examine how humans, in turn, impact the environment and the detrimental effects it can have on our well-being. Furthermore, we will explore specific environmental stressors such as noise, pollution, and crowding, and their profound effects on human psychology. Lastly, we will discuss the psychological consequences of natural disasters and the importance of rehabilitation for survivors.

Environmental Influences on Perception

Tribal Society and Geometric Illusions: Certain aspects of the environment can influence human perception. For instance, individuals from a tribal society in Africa, who reside in circular huts without angular walls, exhibit less error in a geometric illusion known as the Muller-Lyer illusion. In contrast, people from cities, living in houses with angular walls, are more prone to falling for this illusion.

Environmental Influences on Emotions

Nature's Impact on Emotional Well-being: The environment significantly impacts our emotional reactions. Immersing ourselves in nature, whether by observing a flowing river, a blooming flower, or a serene mountain top, elicits a unique joy that surpasses any other experience. On the other hand, natural disasters such as floods, droughts, landslides, and earthquakes can deeply affect individuals emotionally, leading to profound depression, sorrow, helplessness, and a lack of control. Such traumatic experiences may result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that persists long after the actual event.

Ecological Influences on Occupation, Living Style, and Attitudes

Occupation and Lifestyle Determined by Natural Environment: The natural environment of a particular region determines the primary means of sustenance for its inhabitants. It could be agriculture in fertile plains, hunting and gathering in forests or mountainous regions, or industrial activities in less arable areas. The occupation, in turn, influences the lifestyle and attitudes of individuals residing in those regions. For instance:

• Agricultural societies foster cooperative attitudes, prioritizing collective efforts over individual desires. They are deeply connected to nature, dependent on natural events like monsoons, and may face scarcity of essential resources such as water. As a result, fatalistic beliefs may develop among members of agricultural societies.
• Highly industrialized societies, less reliant on nature, often value independent thinking, competitiveness, and the perception of personal control over their lives.

Human Influence on the Environment

Human beings have a reciprocal relationship with the environment, exerting influence while also being impacted by it. Although human interventions, such as building houses for shelter, aim to enhance quality of life, paradoxically, they can lead to detrimental consequences. Factors like noise, pollution, crowding, and natural disasters act as environmental stressors, impacting human psychology.
Noise: A Disruptive Stressor

• Noise, defined as any annoying or irritating sound, can have negative effects on mental activity and well-being.
• People can adapt to noise when performing simple mental tasks or when the task itself is engaging.
• Unpredictable and intense noise reduces task performance, especially when concentration is required.
• Controllability of noise and the ability to tolerate or switch it off affects task performance and emotional well-being.
• Annoying noise above certain levels can cause emotional distress and sleep disturbance, leading to adverse effects on mental health.

Pollution: A Hazard to Physical and Psychological Health

• Environmental pollution, including air, water, and soil pollution, poses risks to both physical and psychological well-being.
• Exposure to toxic substances present in polluted environments can affect.

Natural disasters have profound effects on individuals and communities, not only in terms of physical devastation but also in terms of psychological and emotional impact. Here are some key effects of natural disasters:

• Loss of belongings and homelessness: Natural disasters often result in the destruction of homes, infrastructure, and personal belongings. This leaves many people without shelter, basic necessities, and resources, leading to a state of poverty and homelessness.
• Psychological trauma and shock: The sudden and catastrophic loss experienced during a natural disaster can be extremely shocking and traumatic for survivors. The emotional toll of losing loved ones, witnessing destruction, and facing an uncertain future can create deep-seated psychological disorders.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Natural disasters are traumatic events that can lead to the development of PTSD in survivors. PTSD is a severe psychological condition characterized by symptoms such as disorientation, physical reactions (exhaustion, sleep difficulties, changes in appetite), emotional reactions (grief, fear, anger, depression), cognitive reactions (worry, difficulty concentrating, confusion), and social reactions (withdrawal, conflict, feeling rejected).
• Long-lasting effects: The impact of a natural disaster can extend far beyond the immediate event. Many individuals may experience long-term psychological and emotional effects, which can significantly disrupt their daily lives and overall well-being. These effects can persist for years or even a lifetime if not properly addressed.
• Varying intensity of reactions: People react differently to natural disasters, and the intensity of their reactions can be influenced by factors such as the severity of the disaster, the extent of loss (both in terms of property and life), individual coping abilities, and prior experiences with stress. Those who have experienced previous stress may find it more challenging to deal with another traumatic situation.
• Positive resilience and healing: Amidst the severe emotional reactions, some survivors may exhibit resilience and contribute to the healing process. Having gone through the experience and survived, these individuals can develop a positive outlook on life and empathetically support other survivors.
• Preparedness and treatment: While it is challenging to predict most natural disasters accurately, preparedness measures can minimize their devastating consequences. This includes providing warnings and safety measures after the event. Additionally, the treatment of psychological disorders resulting from natural disasters involves providing material relief, counseling at individual and group levels, psychiatric assistance for extreme stress reactions, rehabilitation through employment and routine, and follow-up to ensure recovery.

It is crucial to provide special treatment and care for vulnerable groups such as the poor, women who have lost relatives, and orphaned children who are survivors of natural disasters. With proper support, counseling, and psychiatric interventions, individuals affected by natural disasters can find the motivation and assistance needed to rebuild their lives and move forward.