6 Important Types of Environmental Influences on Human Cognition and Behaviour

Introduction

Environmental psychology focuses on the interplay between humans and their physical, social, and cultural surroundings. According to Gifford et al. (2010), it is the study of transactions between individuals and their environments, where both the person and the setting influence each other. Environmental influences extend to all aspects of cognition, including perception, memory, problem-solving, decision-making, and behaviour (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989).

Read More- Definition and Characteristics of Environmental Psychology

Environmental Cognition

Environmental cognition refers to the mental processes individuals use to perceive, store, recall, and utilize information about their surroundings. This includes developing “mental maps” to navigate environments and assigning meaning to physical spaces (Clayton, 2012). It helps individuals interact adaptively with their environment and shapes emotional and behavioural responses.

Environmental cognition is how we acquire, organize, and use information about our spatial surroundings (Gifford, 2007, p. 122).

Types of Environmental Influences

The major types of environmental influences include the following-

1. Physical Environment

The physical environment includes both natural (greenery, water bodies) and built (urban infrastructure, housing) elements. Exposure to green spaces enhances cognitive restoration, reduces stress, and improves attention span (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989). Conversely, noisy, polluted, or overcrowded urban environments impair memory and reduce attentional control (Evans, 2003).

Example- Children in urban schools exposed to constant aircraft noise scored lower on reading comprehension tests (Clark, Head, & Stansfeld, 2012).

2. Socioeconomic Status (SES)

Low SES is associated with limited access to resources, poor nutrition, unsafe housing, and reduced educational opportunities. These deficits hinder cognitive development and executive functioning (Evans & Schamberg, 2009). Chronic stress caused by poverty affects the prefrontal cortex, impairing planning and decision-making abilities (Blair & Raver, 2012). Environmental stressors associated with poverty can impair memory, language development, and academic achievement (Gifford, 2007, p. 140).

3. Cultural Environment

Culture shapes cognition by influencing thought patterns, perception, and emotional expression. Collectivist societies emphasize interdependence, which impacts social behaviour and conflict resolution (Markus & Kitayama, 1991). Language, a cultural product, also structures how individuals conceptualize reality (Vygotsky, 1978).

Example- In East Asian cultures, holistic thinking patterns are more common, while Western cultures emphasize analytical thinking (Nisbett, 2003).

4. Social Environment

Family, peer groups, and community influence emotional regulation, moral development, and identity formation. Secure attachment relationships during early childhood are critical for healthy cognitive and emotional development (Bowlby, 1969). Community support also fosters resilience and prosocial behaviour (Bronfenbrenner, 1979).

5. Educational Environment

Learning environments play a pivotal role in cognitive growth. Class size, curriculum design, and teacher-student interactions affect motivation, memory retention, and problem-solving skills. Poorly designed or under-resourced schools hinder academic performance and contribute to behavioural problems (Finn et al., 2003).

6. Climate and Geography

Geographical factors like natural disasters or extreme climates impact psychological well-being. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is prevalent in high-latitude regions due to lack of sunlight (Rosenthal et al., 1984). People living in conflict zones or disaster-prone areas experience trauma and cognitive disruption.

Environmental Stressors

Environmental stress arises when external demands exceed an individual’s coping abilities. Chronic exposure to noise, pollution, and crowding elevates cortisol levels, leading to cognitive fatigue and emotional dysregulation (Evans & Cohen, 2004).

Notable Findings:

• • Noise Pollution: Chronic noise exposure is linked to sleep disturbances, hypertension, and cognitive impairment (Basner et al., 2014; WHO, 2018).

Noise Pollution and Stress

• • • Air Pollution: Prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with reduced working memory and academic performance (Schraufnagel et al., 2019).
    • Overcrowding: High residential density leads to social withdrawal, aggression, and impaired cognitive development in children (Evans, 2001).

Attention Restoration Theory (ART)

ART, proposed by Kaplan and Kaplan (1989), suggests that natural environments help restore depleted attentional resources. Unlike urban environments that demand directed attention, nature elicits “soft fascination,” allowing the mind to recover.

Attention Restoration Theory (ART)

Key Components

• • Being Away: A break from routine
  • Extent: Rich and coherent environment
  • Fascination: Automatically engaging stimuli
  • Compatibility: Fit between environment and individual needs

Empirical studies show that walks in nature improve mood, working memory, and creative problem-solving (Berman et al., 2008).

Place Attachment and Behaviour

Place attachment is the emotional bond between individuals and specific locations. It influences behaviour, identity, and well-being. Proshansky et al. (1983) introduced the concept of “place identity” to describe how environments contribute to the self-concept.

Place Attachment

The physical environment plays a role in socialization and helps anchor individuals in a coherent sense of identity (Proshansky et al., 1983).

Implications for Policy and Design

Understanding environmental influences can inform policies in urban planning, education, housing, and mental health. For instance:

• • Designing cities with more green spaces
  • Promoting environmental education
  • Reducing noise and pollution exposure
  • Supporting affordable and stable housing

Conclusion

Environmental influences on cognition and behaviour are complex and multifaceted. From the air we breathe to the culture we live in, our surroundings play a vital role in shaping our psychological functioning. Recognizing these factors can help create environments that enhance well-being, learning, and sustainable living.

References

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