The experience of nature: a psychological perspective

Rachel Kaplan, Stephen Kaplan

CUP Archive, 1989 - Psychology - 340 pages

In this volume concerning the natural environment, people, and the relationship between them, Rachel and Stephen Kaplan offer the first research-based analysis of the vital psychological role that nature plays in our lives. Over a period of twenty years, the authors have sought to understand how people perceive nature and what types of natural environments they prefer, what psychological benefits they seem to derive from wilderness experiences, and why backyard gardens are especially important to some people. The book examines the satisfactions and advantages that various natural settings bring to us. While many readers may have little doubt that the natural environment makes a difference to them, they may be suprised to discover the pervasiveness of its impact on people of diverse ages and cultural heritages. Beyond the awe-inspiring mountains and waterfalls, many comparatively simple natural settings foster tranquility and well-being. The book explores questions such as: Is the effect of nature on people as powerful as it intuitively seems to be? What makes natural settings so compelling? How do settings restore bodily health? Are some natural patterns more effective than others? Are there ways to design, manage, and interpret natural environments so as to enhance their beneficial influences? A wide audience will find this analysis of our natural environment compelling and insightful.

What people are saying

Review: The Experience Of Nature: A Psychological Perspective

User Review  - Kathryn - Goodreads

Stephen and Rachel Kaplan present a compelling amount of data that support the psychological need for nature, near and far; in small but esthetically pleasing amounts, as well as in vast stretches ...

Contents

• Nature and Human Nature: 1
• THE PREFERENCE FOR NATURE: 9
• The Prediction of Preference: 40
• Group Differences: 72
• BENEFITS AND SATISFACTIONS: 117
• Nearby Nature: 150
• TOWARD A SYNTHESIS: 175
• The Monster at the End of the Book: 201
• A Overview of Preference Research: 207
• B Preference Studies: 216
• Outdoor Challenge Program: 292
• Benefits and Satisfactions Studies: 300
• References: 318
• Author Index: 335

About the author

Rachel Kaplan is an urban homesteader, artist, psychotherapist, and mother. She has spent the last ten years refining refining her skills as a food and herb grower. She grows much of the food for her family of three in small plots throughout her Northern California city. Her studies include somatic psychotherapy, body-based healing, yoga, permaculture, ceramics, ceramics, massage, and herbalism. She is the author of "The Probable Site of the Garden of Eden" and co-author of "Urban Homesteading" Kaplan lives in Sonoma County, California.

Bibliographic information

• Title: The experience of nature: a psychological perspective
• Authors: Rachel Kaplan, Stephen Kaplan
• Edition: illustrated
• Publisher: CUP Archive, 1989
• ISBN: 0521341396, 9780521341394
• Length: 340 pages
• Subjects: Psychology / Social Psychology