The Experience of Nature: A Psychological Perspective

by Rachel Kaplan, Stephen Kaplan

"Nature seems to be important to people." (intro.) The psychological reasons for this interest, fascination, and affection are the basic aims of this scientifically based, readable and useful book. It attempts to establish a basic understanding of nature experiences from window box to wilderness. Paperback edition (unseen), $13.95. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

Genres: Psychology, Nature, Nonfiction, Environment

352 pages, Hardcover

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.