The Experience of Nature: A Psychological Perspective

by Rachel Kaplan, Stephen Kaplan

A study of the natural environment, people, and the relationship between them. The authors offer a research-based analysis of the vital psychological role that nature plays. They try to understand how people perceive nature and what kinds of natural environments they prefer.

Genres: Psychology, Nature, Nonfiction, Environment

Paperback

First published July 28, 1989

Reviews

[eververdant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book presents a long career of research of the Kaplans on what was then a budding field of environmental psychology as they aim to discover why natural environments are healthy for the psyche and which characteristics of natural scenery are most appealing.

While there is a fair amount of depth and theoretical development in this text, the empirical basis for some of their theories has not held up well (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science...). However, the groundwork they laid for the field presents a good deal of thought-provoking ideas. I definitely found myself trying to analyze natural scenery in the way they presented in the book while going out on walks (why am I so drawn to bodies of water even though I have no reason to interact with them? If I didn't have all of my modern amenities and I needed resources, a body of water would be one of the most plentiful resource pools!). If you've wondered why natural scenery presents such a powerful invigorating feeling, I think it's certainly worth reading this book to get some ideas.

[Kei · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for those who want to learn more about environmental psychology and/or landscape analysis.