Ecopsychology

• Ecopsychology


  The study of the reciprocal relationship between human beings and the natural world
• Agricultural, industrial revolution, religious tradition and the Enlightenment led to separateness from nature
• Collective unconscious


  According to Jung this is the aspect of the unconscious mind that is derived from ancestral memory and experience and is common to all humankind
• Archetypes


  Motifs (images or symbols) that are present throughout all humans everywhere
• Ecological unconscious


  According to Roszak this is the aspect of the human psyche that is attuned to the Earth and its life systems, embodying our innate affinity for nature (biophilia) and our interconnectedness with all living beings
• Biophilia hypothesis


  Humans possess an evolved tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life
• Biophobia


  A fear or dislike of nature
• Connectedness to Nature predicts environmentally friendly behaviour
• Connectedness to Nature


  • Affective connection: an emotional affinity, love for nature
  • Cognitive connection: a perception of the self as part of nature
• Nature Deficit Disorder


  A deficit of nature that results in heightened negative moods and attention deficits
• • Exposure to nature reduces stress and increases positive emotions
  • Reduces pain
  • Facilitates physical recovery
  • Restore attention
  • Increase pro-social behaviour
• Eco-existential Positive Psychology


  Experiences with the natural environmental can play a fundamental role in addressing six existential concerns: Happiness, Meaning-in-life, Death, Belonging, Identity, Freedom