E-Book Overview
This engaging and insightful textbook applies psychological theory and research to environmental problems that are the result of human behavior. It addresses the mismatch between how humans meet their needs and wants, and the natural ecological order.The text explores the origins of the current ecological crisis and provides a vision for a sustainable future. It reviews psychological theory and research findings that help us understand and, ultimately, change unsustainable behavior. And it shows how there is a reciprocal relationship between the wellbeing of both humans and the Earth. Finally, readers are encouraged to apply what they have learned to make their own behavior sustainable.This 4th Edition is a major update on previous editions, with a dramatic reorganization of chapters, the introduction of a substantial amount of new content and research findings, and an altogether more student-friendly and practical tone.This textbook may be used as a primary or secondary textbook on a wide range of courses in Ecological Psychology, Environmental Science, Sustainability Sciences, Environmental Education, and Social Marketing. It also provides a valuable resource for professional audience of policymakers, legislators, and those working on sustainable communities.
E-Book Content
Psychology for Sustainability Psychology for Sustainability, 4th Edition—known as Psychology of Environmental Problems: Psychology for Sustainability in its previous edition—applies psychological theory and research to so-called “environmental” problems, which actually result from human behavior that degrades natural systems. This upbeat, user-friendly edition represents a dramatic reorganization and includes a substantial amount of new content that will be useful to students and faculty in a variety of disciplines—and even to people outside of academia as well. The literature reviewed throughout the text is up-to-date, and reflects the burgeoning efforts of many in the behavioral sciences who are working to create a more sustainable society. The 4th Edition is organized in four sections. The first section provides a foundation by familiarizing readers with the current ecological crisis and its historical origins, and by offering a vision for a sustainable future. The next five chapters present psychological research methods, theory, and findings pertinent to understanding, and changing, unsustainable behavior. The third section addresses the reciprocal relationship between planetary and human wellbeing. And the final chapter encourages readers to take what they have learned and apply it to move behavior in a sustainable direction by presenting a variety of theoretically and empirically grounded ideas for how to face this challenging task with positivity, wisdom, and enthusiasm. This textbook may be used as a primary or secondary textbook on a wide range of courses in Ecological Psychology, Environmental Science, Sustainability Sciences, Environmental Education, and Social Marketing. It also provides a valuable resource for professional audiences of policymakers, legislators, and those working on sustainable communities. Britain A. Scott is Professor of Psychology at the University of St. Thomas. Elise L. Amel is Professor of Psychology and Director of Environmental Studies at the University of St. Thomas. Susan M. Koger is Professor of Psychology at Willamette University in Oregon. Christie M. Manning is Associate Director of the Educating Sustainability Ambassadors program and a Visiting Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies at Macalester College. 2 Psychology for Sustainability 4th Edition Britain A. Scott Elise L. Amel Susan M. Koger Christie M. Manning 3 First published 2016 by Routledge 711 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017 and by Routledge 2 Park Square, Milton Park, Ab