Chapter 7 - The Physical Environment

Stimulation Theories - The Physical environment is a source of

source of sensory information essential for human well-being

Restricted Environmental Stimulation

stimulus deprivation

Behaviors of different persons in the same setting are more similar than

than the behaviors of the same person in different settings

Place Identity

when a particular place becomes an important part of our self-identity

Behavior Settings Theories

• Consistent, uniform patterns of behavior occur in particular settings.

Personal Space

(boundary-regulating mechanisms) physical distance we choose to maintain in interpersonal relationships

Territoriality

behavior of those seeking control over their space

Programs (behavior setting)

consistent, prescribed patterns of behavior develop in specific settings

Staffing (behavior settings)

different behavior settings attract different numbers of participants or staff. Overstaffing occurs where too many participants.

Privacy

selective control of access to the self or ones group

Crowding

the feeling of being crowded influenced by personal cultural factors

Place Attachment

the process in which people and groups form bonds with places

Patterns of stimulation influence

thinking, emotions, social interaction, and health. (what influences these)

Stimulus Overload

too much stimulation

The Physical Environment consists of/constrains/encourages

• Consists of the natural environment and the built environment • Constrains or limits some behaviors (explained by control theories) • Encourages / prescribes some behaviors (explained by behavior setting theories)

Control Theories

• Humans desire control over their physical environment. • Some person/environment configurations provide more control over the physical environment than others.

The Physical Environment serves as

• Serves as source of sensory information (explained by stimulation theories)