Conclusion:Summary, trends, and future perspectives in environmental psychology

The environment in which we live influences people’s lives in many ways, but reciprocally this environment is also a product of human activities. Environmental psychology studies the reciprocal relationship between humans and the environment. This chapter summarizes the main findings of each part of the book. It discusses some general trends and developments, followed by a discussion of key challenges for future research in environmental psychology. Traditionally, environmental psychology has focused primarily on studying the negative impacts of the environment on humans and the negative impacts of humans on the environment. The continuing trend towards integrative models and approaches is clearly illustrated in the chapters on urban environmental quality, place attachment, and quality of life. The chapter discusses three major challenges that apply to the field as a whole. These challenges address the need for further integration, further development of theories and models, and further engagement of environmental psychologists with environmental problems.