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The Psychology of Environmental Problems

Psychology for Sustainability

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This compelling and insightful textbook demonstrates how eight major approaches in psychology – social, psychoanalytical, behavioral, cognitive, physiological, health, developmental, and holistic – can be applied to create a more sustainable society. After outlining current environmental difficulties and historical antecedents, these various perspectives offer guidance for changing individual and collective behavior.

This 3rd edition is thoroughly revised and updated throughout, and features new chapters on the neuropsychology of toxic exposures, health and the psychology of environmental stress, and developmental psychology. It offers a comprehensive review of literature in various subdisciplines, demonstrating the wide applicability and relevance of psychology for addressing imminent environmental threats. Like both previous editions, the book’s tone is widely accessible and engaging -- and no previous background in psychology or environmental science is assumed or required. The use of personal examples and cartoons help engage the reader. The 3rd edition is also accompanied by online resources for instructors.

The Psychology of Environmental Problems: Psychology for Sustainability, 3rd Edition can 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.

Table of Contents

Foreword, David G. Myers. Preface: The Why, the What and the How of this Book. 1. What on Earth Are We Doing? 2. The Nature of Western Thought. 3. Psychoanalytic Psychology: Becoming Conscious of the Unconscious. 4. Social Psychology: Under the Influence of Others. 5. Behavioral Psychology: Contingency Management. 6. Neuropsychology of Toxic Exposures. 7. Cognitive Psychology: Information Processing. 8. Health and the Psychology of Environmental Stress. 9. Developmental Psychology: Growing Healthy Children in Nature. 10. Holistic Approaches: Gestalt and Ecopsychology. 11. Putting it Together: Using Psychology to Build a Sustainable World.

Reviews

"A commendable and useful textbook … one I can recommend." – Harvey Jones, Director of Smartly Green Ltd, in The Psychologist

"The Psychology of Environmental Problems has become a standard and leading text in the important field of environmental psychology. The book is not only highly student -friendly but makes a substantial contribution to addressing the most challenging problem of our time: human survival." - Joseph Wayne Smith, Ph.D., Research Fellow, University of Adelaide, Australia

"The Psychology of Environmental Problems provides a judicious and insightful examination of the behavioral roots of the world's escalating sustainability crisis. The authors' writing is engaging and accessible, their coverage is thorough, and their analyses are compelling. And their heartfelt concern for the future permeates every page." - Wayne Weiten, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA

"The authors are coming out as psychological activists for a safer, healthier balance between humanity and other living species. Enjoy their survey of useful psychologies, appreciate their critique of industrial society, and try their six operating principles for sustainability. For future quality of life on planet Earth, human behavior is crucial and environmental psychology will be essential." - Charles Vlek, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Environmental Psychology and Decision Research, University of Groningen, The Netherlands

"When teaching, this is the book I reach for to provide a taste of the rich diversity of approaches within psychology and how they connect to environmental issues. Keeping the heart of the excellent content from before, this timely update is clearly written, and comes alive with its trademark personal examples and current references. Many thanks to the authors for making sure such a classic book is fresh, useful, and fun to read. It should be on the wish list for anyone trying to understand how we humans relate to and can help our beautiful, threatened planet." - Carol D. Saunders, Ph.D., Antioch University New England, USA

Author/Editor Biography

Dr. Sue Koger is Professor of Psychology at Willamette University, where she teaches Ecological/Conservation Psychology and Biopsychology among other courses. Her research focuses on the effects of chemicals such as pesticides on brain development and function, and the role of psychology in environmental studies/science.

Dr. Deborah Du Nann Winter is Professor of Psychology at Whitman College, where she taught for 32 years. Her courses included The Psychology of Environmental Problems and Peace Psychology. She now lives in Hawaii, where she continues to write about both topics, while learning to live more sustainably and peacefully on the planet.

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